6. Mills Longitudinal Study - Age 70 Assessment

The sixth assessment of the Mills Longitudinal Study was conducted in two stages in 2007-2008, when the participants were approximately 70 years old. Initial questionnaire data was gathered by mail and a follow-up questionnaire packet was mailed out subsequently. All data was collected by mail, except for four participants who preferred to be interviewed by Ravenna Helson. Three participants did not submit their materials until the Fall of 2010. Part 1: Participants were asked to complete a chronology chart that covered major life events from 1997 to 2007, the “Story of My Late Middle Age” questionnaire, and a brief questionnaire containing demographic information, satisfaction with life, and thoughts on turning 70. Part 2: These follow-up questionnaires were more detailed than the Part 1 questionnaire and covered topics such as health, relationships, social support, work, retirement, attitudes, emotions, and feelings, and included several scale items (such as the FAL, ERQ/BEQ, and Ryff items) that were administered in previous assessment years. Part 2 questionnaire packets were customized for each participant based on relationship and parenting status. The ACL was also included in this mailing. “Short Sheet”: Participants who said they did not have time to complete the full set of materials were given an abbreviated version to complete. This shortened version contained items from parts 1 and 2 of the original mailing, including the full set of ACL items. The participants who were interviewed were asked these (abbreviated) items, which were often supplemented with other items about family, retirement, etc.