Scottish Government

Simon Anderson, Scottish Centre for Social Research
Paul Boyle, University of St. Andrews
Clare Sharp, Scottish Centre for Social Research

Scottish Government Social Research
2008

ISBN 978 0 7559 7364 4 (Web only publication)
ISSN 0950 2254

This document is also available in pdf format (556k)

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Executive Summary

1 Introduction
Background
The scoping study
Format of the report
Context: ageing in Scotland

2 Does Scotland need a longitudinal study of ageing?
Economic issues
Health and health care
Community care
Social justice
Cross-cutting issues and concerns
Summary

3 Possible models of data collection
The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing ( ELSA)
The Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe ( SHARE)
The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing ( TILDA)
Comparisons between ELSA, SHARE and TILDA
Conclusion: towards a hybrid approach?

4 Design recommendations
Broad methodological parameters
Projected sample size, response rates and attrition
Sample frame
Sub-group coverage
Mode of data collection
Broad topic coverage

5 Possible models of funding and delivery
Funding
Possible governance and delivery arrangements
Likely timescales

6 Conclusions

7 Appendix 1: Interviewees

8 Appendix 2: Seminar attendees

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and
do not necessarily represent those of the Department or Scottish Ministers.