What Keeps You Sharp? Survey

What is the survey about?

As we age, we may experience changes in our thinking and memory skills. We do not all experience these changes in the same way though: some of us might retain our thinking skills into later life while others might experience declines.

We are asking adults about their beliefs and attitudes to how their thinking skills might change with age. You are being asked about your opinions and beliefs in the survey, so it is important to remember there are no right or wrong answers. You are eligible to participate if you are over the age of 40 and living in the UK. The survey should take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

The information might help us better communicate with people about what affects thinking skills with age, feed into policy or generate new questions for other research studies to address. There are no intended risks associated with completing the survey but if you experience any problems, you can withdraw without giving a reason. Your participation is entirely voluntary.

Will my participation be confidential?

The survey is being conducted in compliance with the Data Protection Policy at Heriot-Watt University. Results of this survey will not include your name or any other identifying characteristics. Your answers will not be seen by anyone outside of the research team. If you choose to do so, you can give your email address at the end of the survey to hear more about the findings; this information will not be held with the other data you provide and will not be linked to it in any way.

Where can I get more information?

The survey is led by researchers in The Ageing Lab at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
They are happy to answer any questions you have before or after completing the survey:
Dr Ria Vaportzis or by phone: 0131 451 8009
or
Dr Alan Gow or by phone: 0131 451 8239

The survey has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, you can contact the Ethics Committee

Consent

When you begin the survey, you will be asked to confirm the following statements:

  • I have read and understood the above information and have had the opportunity to ask questions about the survey.
  • I agree to take part in this survey and agree for the information I provide to be used for the purpose of it.
  • I understand that participation is voluntary and that I may withdraw at any time.

Please find the survey below or on The Ageing Lab website