31 Health and Retirement Study (HRS)

31.1 Organization

The University of Michigan

31.3 Description

  • Longitudinal panel study supported by the National Institute on Aging and the Social Security Administration of people over age 50
  • Core data includes information on income and wealth, health and use of health services, employment, family connections, biomarker health measurements, and psychosocial and lifestyle factors
  • Supplemental surveys have included topics such as consumption (time and money), memory, prescription drugs, and diabetes, among others

31.4 Vintage/Release Frequency

Annual from 1992 to 1996 and biennial since 1996

31.5 Observational Unit

Survey respondent

31.6 Collection Methodology

  • Longitudinal cohort sample
  • Surveys a representatitve sample of approximately 20,000 people
  • Interviews are conducted every two years, with the sample replenished every six years

31.8 User Guide/Data Dictionary

https://hrs.isr.umich.edu/documentation

31.9 Cost

Free for download

31.10 Proposal or Application required?

Not for public use files but yes for restricted use files.

31.11 DUA required?

Not for public use files but yes for restricted use files.

31.12 Special Notes

  • Must register to access public use files
  • Off-year and cross-year studies available
  • 2020 HRS COVID-19 Project data available
  • Restricted/Sensitive data available via application process