Longitudinal ageing study Amsterdam (LASA)

Summary

Strengths: The survey was developed under a multidisciplinary approach. Weaknesses: For some research questions, there are an insufficient number of participants, e.g., in care institutions (although the participants are followed wherever they move).

Type of data

Data Source
Survey

Type of Study
Other: Longitudinal survey; cross-sequential

Data gathering method
Other: Contact data administrator (see contact information)

Access to data

Conditions of access
Cannot be downloaded directly

Type of available data (e.g. anonymised microdata, aggregated tables, etc.)
Anonymised microdata

Formats available
SPSS (default)

Coverage

Coverage Years of collection, reference years, and sample sizes
Data was collected between 1992 and 2012, with a sample size of around 2,000 individuals; data collection is ongoing and is scheduled to continue at some point in the future.

First year of collection
1992

Stratification if applicable
Contact data administrator (see contact information)

Base used for sampling

Geographical coverage and breakdowns
Dutch population, sample in three regions: Amsterdam, Oss, Zwolle

Age range
Initial age between 55 and 85 years

Statistical representativeness
Special group, please specify

Coverage of main and cross-cutting topics
Detailed study of: Change trajectories in functioning of elderly people (> 55 years); physical, cognitive, emotional, social functioning, biological, medical, psychological, social, environmental predictors, quality of life, health care use, social participation and mortality effects

Linkage

Standardisation
All interview questionnaires and tests are standardised on behalf of longitudinal analysis

Possibility of linkage among databases
This is possible (and has been done) based on year of birth, age, sex, postal code.

Data quality

Entry errors if applicable
Survey errors

Breaks
No

Consistency of terminology or coding used during collection
Key concepts are consistent since initiation in 1992

Governance

Contact information
VU University Medical centre
LASA
Van der Boechorststraat 7
1081 BT Amsterdam Netherlands Phone: 003120 444 6770
Email:
Url:

Timeliness, transparency
Data is collected every three years.