English Longitudinal Study of Ageing wave 5
The dynamics of ageing
About the study
The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) is the only study in the UK to follow the lives of people aged 50 and over as they get older.
For wave 5 we explored the economic circumstances, social engagement and health and wellbeing of older people.
You can read the findings of wave 5 here (or learn more about the study series).
Learn more about current wave 6
Potential policy impact
One in three people in Britain today is aged 50 and over. Our study helps the government plan health care services and pension systems to meet the needs of this ageing population.
By comparing this study with equivalents in the US and Europe we gain greater understanding of just how much impact national policies and contexts have on people's lives.
Method
We have selected people aged 50 and over who previously took part in the Health Survey for England to take part in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. We interview these people every two years.
The advantage of interviewing the same people who took part in Health Survey for England is that we can combine existing data with new data to learn much more about people's health, economic position and quality of life over time.
For ELSA's fifth wave, we have decided to slightly restructure the report to three key chapters so that we can present more of the data collected.
- NatCen Social Research
- 35 Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0AX
- Charity no. 1091768
- info@natcen.ac.uk
