English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)

The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) is a large-scale multidisciplinary, cohort study of adults aged 50 and over living in England.  

A pilot study was conducted in 2001 and, since then, we have interviewed more than 24,000 people, with longitudinal data spanning 18 years, gathering data about participant’s health and genetics, lifestyle, economic and social situation. ELSA collects data through biennial interviews, questionnaires and health visits which include biomarker assessments. The study has had a significant impact on science, policy, and international research.  Its findings have informed UK government policies on pensions, social care, health, and wellbeing. ELSA data have also been used to address critical issues such as health inequalities, dementia, frailty, digital inclusion, caregiving, and the effects of COVID-19 on older populations.

ELSA is part of a growing global network of longitudinal ageing studies which not only provides national data on ageing but makes it possible for researchers from different countries to compare ELSA findings with theirs and contribute significantly to our understanding of ageing.

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) plays an important role in ELSA, as a co-investigator on this project. Our researchers have specialist expertise in conducting longitudinal research, leading the data collection for this study and we are responsible for maintaining good on-going relationships with the participants.  

ELSA is funded by the National Institute on Aging and a consortium of UK government departments, including Department for Health and Social Care, Department for Transport, Department for Work and Pensions, which is coordinated by the National Institute for Health Research. Funding has also been provided by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

For more information, please visit the dedicated study website.