Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured format, each lasting
approximately 1 hour and recorded using a digital voice recorder. The
interviewer was trained to be sensitive to respondent fatigue, to allow for
questions, and to break accordingly. Interviewees were reminded that the
purpose of the interview was to gain insight into their perceptions of active ageing and quality of life, and how to age actively. Questions covered perceptions
of what active ageing is, their lifestyle and day to day activities, recent changes in
quality of life, coping with the changes of ageing and barriers to active ageing.
Neutral probes and prompts were used where necessary, e.g. ‘Can you tell me
more about that’ and care was taken to avoid leading or biasing questions
(Bowling, 2004).