[The Bonn Gerontologic Longitudinal Study (BOLSA)]

The Bonn Longitudinal Study on Aging (BOLSA) was started in 1965 with two cohorts born in the years 1890-95 and 1900-05. Survivors were followed for 15, respectively, 19 years. BOLSA data gives evidence for a high degree of consistency in different patterns of aging as defined by health, cognitive and social competence, and personality. This interindividual variability is linked with socioeconomic status, gender, and other social variables as well as with coping styles. Psychosocial variables also turned out to be significant predictors of longevity. BOLSA findings point to the complexity of the process of aging which asks for a multi-dimensional approach. The list of references includes many English-language publications by the BOLSA staff.