Participants

The data collected are de-identified (meaning the data are connected to an ID number, not to your name or any other personal identifying information). The MRI scans are labelled with this ID (not with your name) at the MRI facility and then the images are sent to Calgary Image Processing and Analysis Centre (CIPAC) at the University of Calgary for review and long-term storage. The data associated with the scans, like all CLSA data, are kept on secure servers located at McMaster University.

The stool samples will be stored in freezers located at McMaster University. No identifiable information will be shared with anyone outside of our established CLSA protocols. The CLSA will protect any information and images collected as we do for all other CLSA participant information.

At the in-home interview, participants will be provided with a package that will include two stool sample self-collection tubes. Step-by-step instructions will be provided. Participants will be asked to bring the samples with them when they visit the Data Collection Site.

You will be asked to repeat the stool sample collection every three years.

You will be asked to complete this data collection every three years as part of your participation in the core CLSA study.

You will not be able to see most of the data the trackers collect or keep a copy of any of the data.

It is not possible to sign up for this data collection. Only CLSA participants who take part in in-home interviews and visits to Data Collection Sites are eligible to take part.

Your participation in this part of the CLSA is completely voluntary, and choosing not to wear these devices will not affect your participation in the CLSA overall. If you do agree, you may also decide to stop at any time.

If you are having issues with the mobility trackers, please try the following:

• Watch our instructional videos.
• Be sure to charge your TicWatch each night.
• Turn the TicWatch off and back on if you are experiencing any technical problems.
• Try your best to wear the devices for 7 days; if you are experiencing problems, keep the devices in a safe place and return them at your Data Collection Site visit.

To collect data about sleep activity, a tracker is worn on the wrist (called the wrist ActiGraph) for at least 7 days in a row, and a sleep monitoring device is worn on the head (called a Muse headband) for 3 nights in a row within those 7 days.

The sleep trackers are provided to you at your Data Collection Site visit and then returned by mail.

The sleep monitor (Muse headband) is an EEG (electroencephalogram) sleep headband, which captures EEG data using sensors on the forehead and behind the ears. These data are collected through an application that runs from the tablet that you will be provided with. Each night you will start the app and when you get up the next morning you will stop it. If you wake in the night but plan to go back to sleep (e.g., getting up to go to the bathroom) you will keep it on.

If you are having issues with the sleep trackers, please try the following:

• Watch our instructional videos.
• Fully charge the tablet and Muse headband every day.
• Check the Bluetooth connection if your Muse headband is not connected to the app.
• Restart the tablet if you encounter problems with the Muse app.