Data Resources for BSR

The Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) Data Archive

The ICPSR at the University of Michigan receives, processes, and distributes machine-readable data on social phenomena occurring in more than 130 countries. The Archive's content extends across economic, sociological, historical, organizational, social, psychological, and political concerns and includes data sets on the demographic, social, economic, psychological, and health and functioning characteristics of older people and on their health care needs, utilization, and financing.

Membership in ICPSR is not a prerequisite for access to the data resource. The data resources are available to individuals at ICPSR-member institutions without charge, but individuals who are not at ICPSR-member institutions must pay a fee.

National Archive of Computerized Data on Aging (NACDA)

Sponsored by NIA, NACDA operates under the auspices of the ICPSR and is responsible for archiving data sets concerned with the process of aging, health-related subjects, and the attitudes and behavior of the aged population. NACDA publishes an annual data collections catalog entitled Data Collections From the National Archive of Computerized Data on Aging.

The descriptions of data collections in this volume are organized according to the main substantive area that characterizes each data collection in NACDA's current holdings: (1) demographic/social/economic characteristics of older adults; (2) psychological characteristics, mental health, and well-being of older adults; (3) physical health and functioning of older adults; and (4) health care needs, utilization, and financing for older adults.

Within each substantive chapter, data collections are listed alphabetically by principal investigator. Most descriptions conclude with relevant substantive keywords, and many descriptions provide cross-references to other chapters. NACDA also offers summer training institutes on selected topics and data sets and publishes a biannual brochure—the "Bulletin From NACDA"—featuring special topics and data collections.