The multifactorial methodology facilitates recruitment within biracial studies that seek to enroll both low- and high-SES cohorts. There are peculiar environmental challenges encountered by conducting a research study from a base in an urban community, but the value gained from conducting this type of study far outweighs the challenges presented by the environment. Cultural proficiency training enhances researchers and staff skills in interacting with diverse groups of participants and possibly enhancing recruitment. The successful implementation of a multitier research study design requires an invested and motivated research team. The Wave 3 protocol, in keeping with the longitudinal study design, maintains many of the same study domains as the baseline Wave 1 but includes new areas of critical health disparities including: renal function, care giving, financial literacy, health literacy, and neurodegenerative disease. We will also continue to refine our retention paradigm for use by us and others interested in age-associated health disparities and minority aging in general.
