Table 1.

Summary of National Survey Data Sets Evaluated

Data set and survey purpose	Data waves collected	Data collection	Sample age parameters	Sample size and unit
ACL Explores the role of psychosocial and economic factors over the adult life course in health and function outcomes.	Panel data: 1986, 1989, 1994, 2002 (study closed)	Face-to-face interviews	Age stratified: 25 years and older	Individuals:1986: 3,6171989: 2,8671994: 2,5622002: 3,617
HRS Explores changes in labor force participation and health transitions toward the end of work lives and after.	Panel data: Biannual 1992–2010 (ongoing) Additional off-year studies including activity supplements.	Face-to-face interviews	Age stratified: 50 years and older	Varies by year. In 2010, 15,372 individuals, 10,754 households.
MIDUS Investigates social, behavioral, and psychological factors in accounting for age-related variations in health and well-being.	Panel data: 1995–962004–2006 (Wave III pending*)	Telephone interview, mailed questionnaire	Age stratified: 25–74 years	Individuals:1995–1996: 7,1082004–2006: 4,963
NHIS Monitors U.S. population health.	Cross-sectional, annual: 1957–2012 (ongoing)	Face-to-face interviews	Age stratified: children and adults	Varies by year. Estimated in 2011 to be 87,500 individuals, 35,000 households.
PSID Explores socioeconomics and health over the life course and across generations.	Panel data: 37 Waves 1968–2011 (ongoing)	Face-to-face and telephone interviews, social security, and census data	Age stratified: children and adults.	Varies by year. In 2009, more than 24,000+ individuals and 8,500+ families.

Note: *MIDUS Refresher data collection in 2012 will replenish the sample with new members; MIDUS III data collection begins in 2013.