Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) which started in 2013, as the largest public health study in Northern Ireland, aims to explore how certain social, economic and biological factors are changing the lives of older people. Collecting extensive information on all aspects of health, financial and social circumstances from people aged 50 and over it seeks to understand the dynamic relationships between these and ultimately influence in making Northern Ireland a good place to grow old in. NICOLA is unique not only in its comprehensive data collection but also with its capture of experiences specific to Northern Ireland.Further information about the study can be found on the Queen's Univerity Belfast NICOLA webpages.

Main Topics:

The study covers demographics, employment, health and healthcare use, work and pension, social participation and capital.

Multi-stage stratified random sample

Clinical measurements

Self-administered questionnaire: Paper

Face-to-face interview

Physical measurements and tests