Skip to main content
NORC at the University Chicago
NORC’s experience studying the many facets of aging has helped policymakers, caregivers, and older people themselves make more informed decisions.

According to the most recent U.S. Census data, there are now more people over 65 than at any point in history. As older Americans account for a larger share of our population, it will be increasingly important to understand their health-related needs and expectations. NORC's study of aging is integral to that understanding.  

Among NORC's most influential aging studies is the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, the first nationally representative survey on the impact of social and intimate relationships on older individuals' health and longevity. Two NORC studies leverage keystone social science cohorts, High School and Beyond (sophomores and seniors in 1980) and the National Longitudinal Study of 1972 (seniors in 1972). We are recontacting participants to understand the influences of educational and career outcomes in shaping later-life cognitive and physical functions. Our ongoing work on the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey has given us unique insights into older adults' healthcare needs, use, and expenses. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research runs a series of major studies on the public's experiences with and opinions and attitudes about long-term care in the United States. These AP-NORC studies examine older Americans understanding of the long-term care system, their perceptions and misperceptions regarding the likelihood of needing long-term care services and the cost of those services, and their attitudes and behaviors regarding planning for long-term care.

Aging & Health Experts

Highlighted Projects

National Social Life, Health & Aging Project

A pioneering nationally representative study of the intersection between social and intimate relationships and healthy aging

Client:

National Institute on Aging

The Long-Term Care Poll

A series of studies on long-term care and aging in America

Client:

The SCAN Foundation

Reconceptualizing Positive Aging to Support Older Latinos

Concept mapping and community-based participatory research

Client:

Mather Institute