The address is picked at random from among other addresses in a census track, and the name used is the last known resident at that address.
So it’s just dumb luck that they got a 102 year old woman.
The data they collect about households really isn’t all that different than the data they could mine from local real estate agents as to average bathrooms, bedrooms in a community, and it does get specific on several things, such as use of Energy Star appliances, CFLs and just about anything else that they decide to throw in there.
The responses about income, savings give the economic picture of the community.
All of this data they can get by other means, the only difference is that all the responses to the community survey are lumped together and weighted average, and reported only as results per census track. The only person who gets to see your grandmother’s name is the data entry drone, and if you write clearly, it’ll just be a computer which will note that survey # whatever came back with the following responses.
Now, what’s done with this data, that’s usually the problem, as this is where the pork pie starts. If everyone declined to fill out the form, they’d just mine the data from other sources. If you want her to be contacted by the census, probably multiple times, by phone and in person, then don’t fill out the form. If you take the fifth, you’ll still get the census workers coming by.
If she’s willing to put up with that, then just toss the form in the trash, and I’d suggest keeping a tray of cookies and some ice tea on hand to give to the expected guests, and politely refuse to answer any questions. If she’s not, then fill out the form.
As for the video - I’d love to hear your grandmother’s viewpoints, and I think others on YouTube might be educated by them. It’s always great to ask congresscritters questions, even when they refuse to answer them, an education in itself. I’d strongly advise against escorting census workers off the property with firearms, as why would you want to let the federal government know what weapons you have on hand? A couple cookies, a glass of ice tea, and a pat on the head and admonishment to get a real job will accomplish far more, especially if it’s captured on film.
I just called and my brother answered. What she has is the ACS. So...I believe that I will call the number and answer the questions for her. (When I am at her house next week.)
I will tell them I am speaking for her, if they need her to ok it, she will. I will tell them they have sent a pretty invasive survey to a 102 year-old woman....
And I think I will tell them that some of the questions are none of their business.