Cohort Profile: The Hunter Community Study

Abstract

In almost every country, the proportion of people aged >60 years is growing faster than any other age group and is expected to reach 2 billion worldwide by 2050.¹ Internationally and nationally, considerable efforts are being made to promote active ageing.^2–4 However, Australia lacks the kind of comprehensive longitudinal research underway in Europe and North America.^5,6 Although Australia does have a number of longitudinal studies designed to address various issues of health and ageing among older adults,^7,8 only a few of these studies include a broad and comprehensive range of physical and biological measures.