Characteristics of dropouts in longitudinal research on aging: A study of Mexican Americans and Anglos

Abstract
The characteristics of dropouts in a 4-yr longitudinal study of Mexican Americans and Anglos aged .gtoreq. 60 yr were investigated. Dropouts are significantly older, less healthy, view themselves as older and are less active than persons remaining in the study. Subgroups of dropouts differ from each other; deceased persons and those who could not be located were found to be generally less advantaged than restudied persons, while refusers were advantaged. Implications for longitudinal studies on aging are discussed.