The Health and Retirement Study is a longitudinal panel study of Americans over age 50 that seeks to describe the experiences of America’s aging population, including healthcare, income, assets, employment and other needs. Approximately 20,000 participants are interviewed every two years, dating back to 1992. Biomarker data has been collected since 2012.
Study design: Nationally representative, longitudinal cohort design
Data collection methods: In-person interviewing; biomarker data
Measures of depression: CES-D scale (8-item scale); Past-year history of MD from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. Also: Self-report physician diagnosis of emotional or mental health problems; Treatment of depression
Other measures: Vision; Hearing; Hypertension; Diabetes; Cancer; Lung problems; Cardiovascular programs; Stroke; Arthritis; Memory; Alzheimer’s & dementia; Diabetes; Sleep; Oral health; Alcohol & tobacco use; Psychiatric issues; Anxiety; Physical activity; Cognition; Healthcare utilization; Healthcare expenditures; Functional limitations; Family structure & relationships; Housing; Assets & debt; Income; Employment; Social Security & Disability; Relationship history; Internet use; Social relationships; Hobbies; Life satisfaction; Height; Weight; Walking speed; Balance; Blood pressure; Hearing; Hand strength; Saliva sample
Notable publications using this data:
- M. Lohman et al: Sex Differences in the Construct Overlap of Frailty and Depression: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study
- A.N. Niles et al: Gender differences in longitudinal relationships between depression and anxiety symptoms and inflammation in the health and retirement study
- K. Oi: Inter-connected trends in cognitive aging and depression: Evidence from the health and retirement study
- P.G. Lee et al: The Co-Occurrence of Chronic Diseases and Geriatric Syndromes: The Health and Retirement Study