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Adding Narratives to Numbers in a Mixed Methods Study of Successful Ageing: The 6-Day Sample of the Scottish Mental Survey 1947

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  • Jd Carpentieri
  • Jane Elliott
  • Caroline Brett
  • Ian Deary

Abstract

This article details the development and potential uses of a qualitative sub-study within a quantitative, longitudinal study of a Scottish cohort born in 1936 (the 6-Day Sample). Analysing narratives and other biographical interview material, we explore the potential of mixed methods research designs to improve the study of successful ageing, a widely used but contested concept. While acknowledging the critiques of successful ageing, we suggest that the concept can be improved by the adoption of mixed method research strategies that address key criticisms, in particular the lack of attention to older people's own voices. Including those voices in our study alongside researcher-defined outcome measures, we explore the reasons underlying some older people's ‘spiky profiles’, i.e. positive outcomes in some domains and negative outcomes in others. We also investigate the potential benefits and challenges of taking a qualitative approach to the most well known process-focused model of successful ageing: Selection, Optimisation and Compensation (SOC). We conclude that a narratively informed mixed methods research design offers the potential for more comprehensive and nuanced approach to successful ageing.

Suggested Citation

  • Jd Carpentieri & Jane Elliott & Caroline Brett & Ian Deary, 2016. "Adding Narratives to Numbers in a Mixed Methods Study of Successful Ageing: The 6-Day Sample of the Scottish Mental Survey 1947," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 21(2), pages 67-92, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:21:y:2016:i:2:p:67-92
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.3926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John W. Rowe & Robert L. Kahn, 2015. "Successful Aging 2.0: Conceptual Expansions for the 21st Century," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 70(4), pages 593-596.
    2. Frances K. Barg & Rebecca Huss-Ashmore & Marsha N. Wittink & Genevra F. Murray & Hillary R. Bogner & Joseph J. Gallo, 2006. "A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Loneliness and Depression in Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 61(6), pages 329-339.
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    1. J. D. Carpentieri & Jane Elliott & Caroline E. Brett & Ian J. Deary, 2017. "Adapting to Aging: Older People Talk About Their Use of Selection, Optimization, and Compensation to Maximize Well-being in the Context of Physical Decline," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(2), pages 351-361.

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