Longitudinal (or cohort) studies are a type of research which follows a group of people (a cohort) who are initially free of the outcome of interests over a period of time. This type of research examines whether those with a particular exposure develop the outcome of interest at a different rate to those without that exposure. Longitudinal/cohort studies allow investigation of causation of the outcome of interest, and provide the most direct measurement of risk of the outcome.
This report, Longitudinal studies of ageing: Implications for future studies, documents recent, current and planned longitudinal cohort studies of ageing in Australia, as well as a selection of international studies.
As a guide to existing studies, it is intended that the report and associated documentation will be a practical resource supporting future efforts to address ageing research needs in Australia. For example, researchers may be able to ascertain whether existing data already exists that may suit their research purposes; research funding bodies may be able to determine whether funding proposals duplicate earlier work or build on it; while policy analysts can use it to identify research studies (and researchers) which can provide relevant information in respect of key policy issues. This guide also complements and contributes to the Information Development Plan currently being developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Ageing Statistics Unit.