Study title

The Longitudinal Study of Gender Differences in Health Behaviour and Health among Elderly (GENDER) is a study of unlike-sex twin pairs born between 1906 and 1925 (Gold et al., 2002). Sub-studies: • A survey concerning health and health behaviors was mailed in 1994 with responses from 1210 twins from 605 pairs where both responded. Mean age at baseline assessment was 74.43 years (SD 4.28) and all were Caucasians. • A baseline in-person evaluation of 498 twins from 249 pairs between 70 and 80 years of age was undertaken between 1995 and 1997, and included an interview and tests of cognitive and physical functioning. • Two additional in-person waves followed at four-year intervals (1999-2001 and 2003-2005). • Finally, a second survey was mailed in 2007 to all living twins who participated in the first mailed survey. The main interest of the study was gender differences in health and health behaviors in old age. Questions about subjective health, use of healthcare, and behaviors and attitudes related to health, perceived ADL capacity, personality and social networks, formal and informal care etc. are available. Measures of grip-strength, vital capacity, blood pressure, a number of exercises related to muscle strength and balance, and cognitive functions are available. Blood values and genotyping are also available.