Face-to-face interview survey data from a baseline sample of 1360 people aged 65+ and 85+ living at home in East London and Essex from 1987, about their physical and mental health, well-being, social networks, support and needs, using established measurement scales. They were also followed up and re-interviewed face-to-face 2.5-3 years post baseline interview; and all responders' deaths were flagged (the non responders and untraced (usually ghost patients as the sample was taken from family practitioner authority lists) are assigned missing in the dataset). It was funded by health authorities and the Joseph Rowntree Trust.

Face to face interview surveys at baseline and 2.5 year follow-up, plus collection of death certificates for flagged sample.