The data that has been collected within GERDA consists of two main types: home visits aimed at people 85 years and older and a survey aimed at individuals who are 65 years and older.

Access to the data can be granted through an application to the GERDA steering group. The application is made through filling in this form. Please contact a member of the steering group for submission of the application and/or more information. The application is usually processed within two weeks after submission.

The members of the steering group are

Birgitta Olofsson, Umeå Universitet (birgitta.olofsson@umu.se)

Fredrica Nyqvist, Åbo Akademi (fredrica.nyqvist@abo.fi)

Annika Wentjärvi, Yrkeshögskolan Novia (annika.wentjarvi@abo.fi)

Katja Valkama, Seinäjoen Ammattikorkeakoulu (katja.valkama@seamk.fi)

Erika Boman, Högskolan på Åland (erika.boman@ha.ax)

The home visits consist of structured interviews and tests conducted in the home of respondents aged 85, 90, or 95 years and older. The interviews include questions regarding health, functional ability, social contacts, and other living conditions. Tests that have been performed are fore example blood pressure measurements and gait speed tests. If the participant have given consent, information from medical records is also included in the data.

In Västerbotten, home visits have been conducted in 2000-2002, 2005-2007, 2010-2012, and 2015-2017 in the municipalities Umeå, Malå, Storuman, Vilhelmina, Sorsele, and Dorotea. The home visits have been conducted twice in Ostrobothnia; in 2005-2007 and 2010-2012. The first round included Vaasa and Mustasaari, whilst the second round additionally included Maalahti and Korsnäs.

he survey is a questionnaire that was sent by mail to all municipalities in Västerbotten and Österbotten in the years 2005, 2010, and 2016. In 2016, the Seinäjoki area in Southern Österbotten was also included. In 2021, Åland was also included.

The selection, meaning the individuals invited to participate, has expanded with each round. In 2005, individuals born in 1930 and 1940 were included, in 2010, those born in 1930, 1935, 1940, and 1945 were included, while in 2016, the selection also included those born in 1950.

So far, the data consists of 3,370 responses from 2005, 6,838 responses from 2010, 9,386 responses from 2016, and 11,984 responses from 2021/2022.

The latest survey collection took place in 2021/2022 and included six age groups: those born in 1930, 1935, 1940, 1945, 1950, and 1955.

The survey includes questions about activities, civic engagement, social contacts, health, and well-being. In 2021, the survey also included questions related to COVID-19.

Metadata of the survey has been published in Etsin

Questionnaires:

Åland 2021 (Swedish, Åland Islands)

Västerbotten 2021 (Sweden)

Österbotten 2021 (Swedish version, Finland)

Etelä-Pohjanmaa 2021 (Finnish version, Finland)

Västerbotten 2016 (Sweden)

Österbotten 2016 (Swedish version, Finland)

Pohjanmaa 2016 (Finnish version, Finland)

Västerbotten 2010 (Sweden)

Österbotten 2010 (Swedish version, Finland)

Pohjanmaa 2010 (Finnish version, Finland)

Västerbotten 2005 (Sweden)

Österbotten 2005 (Swedish version, Finland)

Pohjanmaa 2005 (Finnish version, Finland)

GERDA-survey 2021:
The data collection was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå, Sweden 7.10.2021 (2021-04965, 05-084Ö).

GERDA-survey 2016:

The data collection was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå, Sweden (05/084 & 2016/367–32).

GERDA Botnia 2009-2012:
The Ethics Committee of Vaasa Central Hospital approved the collection of home visits data in Finland (10-54).

The Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå approved the home visits data collection (09-178M) and the survey data collection (2010-220-32Ö, supplementary application to 05-084Ö).

GERDA 2004-2007:
The Ethics Committee of Vaasa Central Hospital approved the collection of home visits data in Finland (05-87).

The Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå approved the home visits data collection (05-06 304) and the survey data collection (05-084Ö).