The Rochester Older Adult Registry (ROAR): Catalyzing Inclusion of Older Adults in Research

To establish an infrastructure (the Rochester Older Adult Registry, ROAR) to facilitate recruitment of older adults into research studies and longitudinally assess health and functional characteristics of older adults.

ROAR is a prospective, community-based registry of adults aged ≥65 years with a primary care provider at Mayo Clinic. Enrollment began in July 2021 and was completed in July 2024, reaching the target of 1,000 participants. Participants underwent multidimensional baseline assessment, including sociodemographics, comorbidities, functional performance, frailty, quality of life, mood, and cognitive measures. Medical records were reviewed to capture medical, surgical, and healthcare utilization histories. Descriptive statistics and group comparisons by age (<75 vs. ≥75 years) and sex were performed.

The cohort included 608 (60.8%) females and 392 (39.2%) males, mean age 73.5 years (range 65-95). Multimorbidity was common, particularly among females ≥75 years (mean 8.0 comorbidities). Functional independence was preserved (mean Barthel Index 98.3/100). Males had higher grip strength (p < 0.001), while females showed greater declines with age in gait speed and frailty scores. Medication use averaged 4.5 prescriptions; 39.2% used ≥5 medications. Emergency department visits were higher among adults ≥75 years (p = 0.004), while surgical procedures and hospital admissions showed no differences by age or sex.

ROAR demonstrates the feasibility of establishing a comprehensive community-based registry of older adults. Baseline data reveal expected sex- and age-related functional differences, multimorbidity, but preserved independence. This registry provides an infrastructure for future research, supporting efforts to optimize care for older adults.