National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Series

The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) gathers information from a U.S. nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older. Annual, in-person interviews collect detailed information on the disablement process and its consequences. Beginning in 2011, the sample is refreshed periodically so that researchers may study national-level disability trends as well as individual trajectories. Among the specific content areas included are the physical, social, technological and service environment; tests and self-reports of physical and cognitive capacity; use of assistive devices and rehabilitation services; help received with daily activities (self-care, household, and medical); participation in valued activities; and wellbeing. Other topics focus on chronic conditions, symptoms, sensory impairments, transportation, subjective and economic wellbeing, and demographic factors. A last month of life interview focuses on quality of end of life care. Linkages to Medicare records are also available. In 2020, the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) conducted a supplemental mail study about participants' experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak. Adult family members and friends who helped NHATS participants were also surveyed about their experiences helping the NHATS participant during the outbreak.

NHATS is led by the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, with data collection by Westat. Support for NHATS is provided by the National Institute on Aging.