DataSet

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Population Activities Unit

The recommendations regarding the design and size of the samples prepared for the project envisaged: (1) drawing individual-based samples of about one million persons; (2) progressive oversampling with age in order to ensure sufficient presentation of various categories of older people; and (3) retaining information on all persons co-residing in the sampled individual's dwelling unit. Most countries have drawn their samples in accordance with these principles. Some countries (specifically Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania) adhered to earlier recommendations and sampled only the population over age 50 (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania provided the entire population over age 50, while Finland sampled it with progressive over-sampling). Several countries provided samples that had not been drawn specially for this project, and cover the entire population without over-sampling. Being census-based samples, these datasets lack most of the detailed information found in specialized surveys. They have, however, several important advantages compared to other data sources: (1) because of the high sampling density, they cover various small groups of older people, information on whom is not commonly available in other sources; (2) these samples contain as much geographic detail as possible under each country¿s confidentiality requirements; (3) they include more extensive information on housing conditions than many other data sources; and (4) they provide information for a number of countries whose data were not accessible until recently.

The main objectives of the project are: (1) to assemble a set of cross-nationally comparable micro-data samples based on the 1990-round national population and housing censuses in countries of Europe and North America; and (2) to use these samples to study the social and economic conditions of older persons. The samples are designed to allow research on a wide range of issues related to aging, as well as on other social phenomena. A common set of nomenclatures and classifications, derived on the basis of a study of census data comparability in Europe and North America, were adopted as standards for re-coding. The processing of the datasets, which included drawing of the samples (when requested by the National Statistical Offices), cleaning (where necessary), and standardization/harmonization, was performed by the PAU and every effort was made to ensure quality and comparability.

nlm/crs

The initial data processing has been completed for most of the fifteen countries that have submitted their samples. Beta and pre-release versions of six datasets are already available through NACDA/ICPSR. According to the rules governing the release of these datasets, they should be used only for the purpose of social and/or behavioural science research. Users are required to sign a Pledge of Confidentiality, stipulating that those who attempt to disseminate copies of the data (in whole or in part) for purposes other than scientific research, or to identify individual respondents, may be subject to prosecution under the applicable laws. The table in Annex 1 summarizes the status of data acquisition, processing, and access conditions for the participating countries. Annex 2 provides details on the sample sizes and densities for the datasets constructed in accordance with the PAUs recommended sampling strategy, and include oversampling with age. Preliminary contacts on the terms of participation of several new countries (e.g. Poland, Spain) have taken place. Pilot work to assemble a similar set of samples based on the year-2000 round of censuses is now beginning -- national data-collection and distribution agencies, as well as the Conference of European Statisticians have been contacted and asked for collaboration.

The initial data processing has been completed for most of the fifteen countries that have submitted their samples. Beta and pre-release versions of six datasets are already available through NACDA/ICPSR. According to the rules governing the release of these datasets, they should be used only for the purpose of social and/or behavioural science research. Users are required to sign a Pledge of Confidentiality, stipulating that those who attempt to disseminate copies of the data (in whole or in part) for purposes other than scientific research, or to identify individual respondents, may be subject to prosecution under the applicable laws. The table in Annex 1 summarizes the status of data acquisition, processing, and access conditions for the participating countries. Annex 2 provides details on the sample sizes and densities for the datasets constructed in accordance with the PAUs recommended sampling strategy, and include oversampling with age.

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