Life course pathways to ageing in the MRC NSHD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Life course pathways to ageing in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (MRC NSHD)
IRAS ID
150777
Contact name
Nish Chaturvedi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
The MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD) is a sample of all the babies born in England, Scotland and Wales in one week in March 1946 and followed up 23 times since their birth, most recently in 2006-11 (07/H1008/245 and 08/MRE00/12). The MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL (LHA) is responsible for this national birth cohort study. The NSHD has been continually funded by the MRC since 1962 and we have collected data throughout the life of the study members and intend to continue to collect data for the remainder of their lives. During the period 2013-19 (when study members will be 68-73 years) we have secured funding for the 24th follow up (a home visit in 2015) to the whole sample of just under 3000 still alive and living in mainland Britain; and biennial postal questionnaires.
The ageing population is increasing; the percentage of the UK population aged over 60 years is projected to rise from 20% in 2000 to 27% by 2025, due to the baby boom cohorts and increased longevity. Increasing the proportion of healthy and active older people who remain independent for longer is seen as the main way to relieve the cost of an ageing population, and enhance individual wellbeing. The planned data collections aim to capture the full spectrum of health as people age and possibly experience periods of more rapid functional decline. We shall study pathways to ageing by continuing to measure cognitive and physical function (e.g. blood pressure, grip strength, verbal memory) and assess the extent of functional change since previous measures were taken. We shall also collect information on common health problems associated with age (such as sleep disorders, fatigue/exhaustion and urinary incontinence) and collect repeat measures of wellbeing and quality of life, as well as capturing changes in personal circumstances, including social roles (e.g. retirement transition, loss of or care for significant others) and social and physical activities. A blood sample will also be collected for repeat DNA extraction and biomarker measurements.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1073
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion