Reviews after one and five years in a longitudinal study of ageing persons

A simple random sample of older people composed of 215 men and 272 women aged 62 years and over was examined in Edinburgh in 1968-9. After one year, 86 per cent of the men and 79 per cent of the women were re-examined; 7 per cent of the men and 4 per cent of the women had died and the remainder were not re-examined for various reasons, mainly refusal. After five years, 53 per cent of the men and 54 per cent of the women were re-examined; 36 per cent of the men and 22 per cent of the women had died and the remainder were not re-examined mainly because of various types of refusal. Causes of death resembled in frequency and sex differences those reported by the Registrar General. Methods used in tracing and improving cooperation of subjects are described.