The data collected are de-identified (meaning it is connected to an ID number, not to your name or any other personal identifying information). No identifiable information will be shared with anyone outside of our established CLSA protocols. The data from this part of the study are kept, like all CLSA data, on secure servers located at McMaster University. The stool samples will be stored in freezers located at McMaster University.

The stool sample you provide will be stored for future research. No tests will be run on the sample at the time of collection, and no individual results will be provided from the research performed in the future.

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.