Frequently Asked Questions
What is TILDA?
The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), based in Trinity College Dublin, is the most comprehensive study of adults ever undertaken in Ireland. Since it began in 2009, over 8,500 people across Ireland have taken part in TILDA.
Who is conducting the study?
TILDA is carried out by a team of experts in health, life and ageing research , in collaboration with a wider group of researchers, scientists and doctors who are experts in different areas of ageing.
What is my information used for?
The information we collect, is used for many research projects and helps to identify national priorities and policies on issues such as health and well-being, healthcare needs, caregiving and retirement.
What kinds of research questions does TILDA explore?
We examine a wide range of research topics – just some of the questions we aim to answer include:
- What are the factors that determine health and wellbeing as we get older?
- How do our health and levels of physical function change over time?
- How do our activities, relationships and quality of life change over time?
- What happens to our memory over time?
- How do people plan for their retirement and what factors affect when they retire?
- How can we improve our quality of life as we age?
What does 'longitudinal' mean?
TILDA is a longitudinal study. What we mean by "longitudinal" is that we keep in touch with our participants over a long period of time, revisiting them and asking the same questions each time. We do this to see how personal and family circumstances, health, and lifestyles change over time.How are participants chosen?
Addresses are randomly selected from all over the country to participate in this study.
How do participants know that this is a legitimate study?
A verification process takes place whereby our interviewers will provide local Garda stations with their credentials. All of our interviewers carry photographic identification.What happens if I agree to participate but change my mind later on?
You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving us a reason. You are also welcome to discuss any questions rather than concerns? you might have with us.How does TILDA keep my information safe?
We assign a unique identification number to each participant. This is instead of using your name, to protect your identity. Only a small number of individuals in our data team who need to know your identity have access to identifiable information. All of our computers are encrypted and password protected. We encrypt electronic information to a very standard and all paperwork is locked away safely.Is the study information shared elsewhere?
We collaborate with national and international research groups in the field of health, life and ageing, sharing data in which our participants are not identifiable. These groups may be based in in other universities and hospitals.A list of some of the organisations that have cited TILDA's research findings can be found here.
Where can I find out more about TILDA’s results?
All of our published results are documented on the Publications section of our website. This includes reports, research briefs, academic papers and newsletters and infographics.Our team also share these results at public talks, government briefings, at national and international scientific conferences. They are also often reported in the Irish and international media and in the News section of our website.
What does it mean to participate in TILDA?
By participating in TILDA, you are helping to advance health, economic and social policy for future generations in Ireland. Our research is oriented toward informing policy and improving the lives of adults in Ireland. Our findings regularly inform policy documents from government departments and state agencies nationally and internationally.
Our research outputs have similarly been used in a range of analytic, strategic, advisory and advocacy documents by agencies and organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
These results inform clinical programmes across the Irish health system and government health and social initiatives. More recently, information from TILDA has been used to help with planning for and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Check out our Participant's Perspective video
For more videos, be sure to check out our YouTube channel.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you would like to know more about TILDA, and what participation would mean for you, please contact our office either by phone or email:
Phone: (01) 896 2509
Email: tilda@tcd.ie