An Overview of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging

ObjectiveᄏThe Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA) was developed 1) to estimate the prevalence, incidence and progression of common geriatric diseases; 2) to determine the risk factors for common geriatric diseases and to develop preventive strategies by managing potentially modifiable determinants; 3) to investigate the influence of common geriatric diseases on the quality of life and general health status; 4) to evaluate the levels of health and functional status of Korean elderly persons. MethodsᄏThe KLoSHA was designed as a population-based prospective cohort study on health, aging and common geriatric diseases of Korean elders aged 65 years and over. The baseline study of the KLoSHA was conducted from September 2005 through September 2006 in Seongnam. Follow-up studies will be performed at 4-year intervals without an endpoint. ResultsᄏAt the baseline study, 992 subjects (714 randomly sampled elderly subjects aged 65 years or over, 278 volunteers aged 85 years or over) were enrolled and completed the study. Prevalences and risk factors of common geriatric disorders in Korean elders were estimated, and the normative data of neuropsychological measures, general health parameters, and laboratory tests were drawn. ConclusionᄏThe KLoSHA may not only provide comprehensive epidemiological data on the health status and common geriatric disorders of Korean elders, but also may stimulate comprehensive multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary researches on aging and geriatric disorders and contribute to policy formulation and planning of health management programs and social services in Korea.