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Health and Retirement Study - Project Overview

America's demographic profile is undergoing a dramatic change. Lengthening life spans combined with the aging of the population bulge - those born during the "baby boom" years of 1946 to 1965 - are transforming us from a youthful society to a middle-aged and elderly society. The demands of the new age of America are imposing major new challenges to the nation's health and economic institutions.

Foreseeing this aging of America, in 1992 the Survey Research Center (SRC) launched the largest data collection effort in its history, the inaugural wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). It is one of the most valuable and innovative studies ever undertaken to better understand how people fare as they age.

The HRS is designed to provide academic researchers, policy analysts, and program managers with reliable, current data on the economic and physical well-being of men and women 50 years of age and older in America. In addition, it is intended to furnish insight into how, over time, health and wealth interact with work, retirement, and family responsibilities to affect the decisions people make.

Approximately 70,000 households in the U.S. were selected for possible inclusion in the first wave of data collection in 1992. HRS sample now consists of multiple birth cohorts with participants who range from 50 to over 100 years old. Interviews are conducted with the same panel respondents every two years.

The HRS 2026 Panel project is expected to run through July of 2027. Once work on the Panel project is complete, additional work on the HRS 2028 New Cohort screening project may be available, depending on geographic location and performance on the HRS 2026 Panel project.

About The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, is one of the leading public research universities globally. Established in 1817, it is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach and a wide range of academic programs that include over 200 undergraduate majors, and numerous graduate and professional degrees. The university is also famous for its optimistic sports culture, represented by its Wolverines, and its bold school color, maize and blue. Featuring some of the most distinguished faculty in the world, it provides an innovative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment for both students and staff. With a rich and vibrant presence in arts, humanities, sciences, and engineering, the University of Michigan stands as an emblem of academic excellence and diversity.

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