Abstract
The age distribution of Iran is rapidly ageing; soon we will face the challenge of anageing population. Cohort studies are very scarce and not responding to the ageing challenge in Iran. Therefore, the “Iranian Longitudinal Study on Ageing” (IRLSA), has been designed to comprehensively assess the different aspects of ageing, to monitor the changes in health and well-being, and to examine the different needs during the ageing transition. We have based the IRLSA on the “Healthy ageing” framework, trying to assess a range of different biomarkers, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors as well as healthcare indicators. The project consists of two main components; IRLSA-General, IRLSA DEEP (gene-environment interaction). The enrolment phase was commenced in December 2016 and will continue up to two years. The participants will be followed up every four years for at least 12 years. Until March 2018 a total of 4000 people has been enrolled in this study.