The Health, Ageing and Retirement Panel Study (HARPS) is the first national study on ageing in South Africa. HARPS is only made possible by the participation of our participants, who have given their time to speak to our interviewers, answer questionnaires and undergo health assessments. Below, please find answers to questions that our participants might have:
How are HARPS participants selected?
Participants are randomly selected from all South Africans across South Africa who are 40 years of age or older.
Why is your participation in HARPS important?
By taking part in HARPS, you are helping us all understand how South Africans age. It is important that people of different walks of life take part, so that the voices and lived experiences of all types of South Africans are included in the study. Without you, our participants, HARPS would not be possible.
Why is HARPS important?
HARPS is the first national study aiming to understand the journey of ageing and health in South Africa. HARPS will show us how real South Africans' lives stay the same or change as they age; and if they change, whether for the better, or for the worse. This is crucial for researchers and policy makers to understand the needs of South Africans as we all get older.
How is HARPS data used?
The anonymised data and results from HARPS will be used by researchers and communicated to policy makers to help them make informed decisions on they can help support South African as we age.
To find out more please see participants' frequently asked questions (FAQ) below:
HARPS is the Health, Ageing and Retirement Panel Study of South Africa. The study aims to understand the journey of ageing in South Africa and the factors that impact ageing and health as we grow older.
Open
The study is run by researchers from The University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand (Wits) and Harvard University.
Open
We would like to ask you some questions about yourself, your household, and your health. You don’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to.
Open
The survey will be conducted face-to-face with trained and experienced interviewers.
Open
Your participation will assist the study in gathering valuable information, to be used by researchers and policymakers, aiding in their understanding of the ageing journey in South Africa. This, in turn, will help policymakers craft improved policies to support South Africans as they age. By participating, you join thousands of other South Africans, in sharing your stories and ensuring your voices are heard.
Open
Your information will be kept confidential and anonymous. We are gathering information from thousands of people like you so that we can understand the ageing journey of South Africans. Information linked to you is kept confidential. Before the HARPS data is released, it will be anonymised. When research results are presented, the answers that you give would be grouped together with responses from other participants such that no one will be able to identify you and your responses.
Open
If you have any concerns, please feel free to email harps@uct.ac.za.
You can also contact Tim Brophy, Senior Manager: Operations and Data of the SALDRU Survey and Data Hub, on 021 650 4972.
Open