The Assessments

The first assessment (or "Phase") following the Study members' birth in 1972-73 was undertaken when they were aged 3 years. Since then, there have been assessments at ages 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21, 26, 32, 38 and at 45 years. The age 45 assessment was completed in April 2019. For the earlier phases, assessments normally occurred within six weeks of the Study member’s birthday. For the more recent phases, however, assessments normally occurred within 9 months of the Study member’s birthday.

During an "assessment phase", our Study members come back to the Dunedin Research Unit for a one-day assessment from wherever in the world they are living - an impressive exercise considering that approximately 25% currently reside overseas, including in the UK, Europe, Asia, Middle East, US and Canada. Once in Dunedin, almost all aspects of their physical and mental health are examined - this includes cardiovascular, dental, respiratory, sexual and mental health, psychosocial well-being, and detailed interviews about relationships, behaviour and family.

The table below shows the number of Study members who participated at each assessment. 

* Surviving Study members from the foundation cohort