The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) seeks to understand the well-being of older Americans by examining relationships between physical health and illness, medication use, cognitive function, emotional health, sensory function, health behaviors, social connectedness, sexuality, and relationship quality. Data were collected in 2005-2006 (n=3,005), 2010-2011 (n=3,377), 2015-2016 (n=4,777). A fourth wave of data is currently being collected.
Study design: Longitudinal, probability-based cohort design
Data collection methods: In-person interviews; phone interviews, paper-and-pencil surveys; biomarker data collection
Measures of depression: CESD-R 11-item scale
Other measures: Anxiety; Stress; Happiness; Life satisfaction; Self-reported health; Sensory function; Surgical history; Healthcare utilization; Fertility; menopause and STD’s; Functional health; Health-related behaviors; Social support; Familial relationships; Marital history; Height, Weight, Body measurements, Vital signs, Mobility, Memory
Notable publications using this data:
- Z.I. Santini et al: Social disconnectedness, perceived isolation, and symptoms of depression and anxiety among older Americans (NSHAP): a longitudinal mediation analysis
- H. Son et al: The Moderating Effect of Social Support between Loneliness and Depression: Differences between the Young-Old and the Old-Old
- DM Qato et al: Changes in Prescription and Over-the-counter Medication and Dietary Supplement Use Among Older Adults in the United States, 2005 vs 2011