Population

The population perspective
In the population part of the SNAC-study a large, representative panel of elderly in different age cohorts from 60 years and above is followed over time in order to record the development of personal characteristics as well as social and economic circumstances.

This part of the study aims at providing information of how former and present conditions in life, lifestyle and personality affects health and well-being in old age.

The data collection in the population part involves a representative panel of around 8 300 persons altogether from the four participating areas. The elderly are chosen from 10 different age cohorts beginning at the age of 60 up to the age of 96 years with a six-year interval between the younger cohorts (up to 78 years) and three years between the older. Each six year a new cohort of 60 year old will join the study.

Each person in the panel takes part in a baseline investigation involving questions concerning among others living circumstances, education, income, health and functional ability, social contact and support, use of different types of public or other care services, life satisfaction etc.

For each cohort the data collection will be followed-up each time they reach the age of 66, 72, 78, 81 etc...