upgrade from Photoshop 8.0 to latest version -losing data

When you first launch the Organizer in Elements 2024, you will be given the opportunity to convert your Elements 8 catalog to the format of the new version.   You should accept that option.  Depending on how large your catalog is, it may take quite a while for the conversion to take place.   Be patient, and wait for a message that tells you that the process has been successful.  A copy of your original catalog will be made and given a new name with a numeric suffix.  This copy of the old catalog can still be used with your Elements 8 program.

There have been many structural changes in the Organizer since version 8.   These mainly revolve around how People, Places and Events are tagged and displayed.  I don't remember exactly how the version 8 keyword tags will be converted but the information should all be preserved.  I also don't remember whether version 8 had face recognition.  If it did, the face recognition should also be preserved.  I expect that all of your date adjustments from phone app photos will be saved.

You can always use the free trial of Elements 2024 to see whether you will run into any issues.  Even if you do, there are probably some easy solutions.  Be prepared to see many new features that have been added to the program in the past 14 or 15 years since you purchased Elements 8.  And as a prior owner of the program, you are entitled to a discounted price if you purchase from Adobe.