Frequently asked questions

What questions will I be asked?

We will ask you to update information you gave us the last time you were interviewed, to see if and how your life has changed. We are asking questions about many different aspects of life so that we can build up a comprehensive picture of the lives of people over time.

• Who lives in your household
• Your family size and the ages of your family members
• Your health and well-being
• Your use of public transport
• How you feel about growing older and your expectations for the future
• Your leisure and social activities
• Your financial situation
• Any work that you do, whether this is paid or voluntary
• Your pension arrangements
• Your household accommodation
• What you spend your money on

Every other wave, a qualified nurse visits study members and takes measurements (see nurse leaflet (pdf)). There will be a nurse visit at the sixth stage (2012-13) and we hope that you will be happy to take part in this.

The nurse will also ask permission to take a small sample of blood. This enables us to look at indicators of health such as sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, there is currently interest in genetic tests that use the DNA contained in blood. Some of you kindly gave your permission for us to do some analysis of the DNA in your samples when the nurse visited you previously. Some of you may be asked for your permission again this time. Your participation is again, of course, entirely voluntary and we take great care to protect confidentiality. For full information please see the genetics leaflet (pdf).

What is the study about? | Why have I been selected? | Why have I been asked to do the interview on behalf of someone else? | Is the survey confidential? | Who is carrying out the study? | Why is the study important? | What questions will I be asked? | Who is paying for the study? | Who can I contact about the study?

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