Digitizing the 1960 U.S. Census for aging research
Official title: New cross-sectional and longitudinal data for the study of aging: 1960 full-count U.S. Census
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11065490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to turn the 1960 U.S. Census records into digital files so that researchers can better understand the lives of Americans, especially those who experienced major events like the Great Depression and World War II, and how these events shaped their health and families over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $442,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086399-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who experienced the Great Depression and World War II, as well as their descendants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the aging population or who do not have historical ties to the events studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project aims to digitize the 1960 full-count U.S. Census records, which are currently non-digitized, to create a comprehensive longitudinal data resource. By linking this data with existing census records from 1940 and 2000-2020, researchers will be able to analyze the life experiences of Americans, particularly those who lived through significant historical events like the Great Depression and World War II. The project will involve creating a microdata file, capturing geographic details, and documenting the data for future research. This resource will enable population health researchers to study the life-course trajectories of individuals and their families over the past century.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into the aging process and the long-term effects of historical events on health and well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research utilizing longitudinal census data has shown significant success in uncovering trends and impacts on health, making this approach both promising and validated.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexander, Joseph T. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Alexander, Joseph T.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.