LASA Framework of measurement instruments

LASA

Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

Framework of measurement instruments
Data collection B (1992-1993); as reported in Deeg, Knipscheer & Van Tilburg (1993), Chapter 11

Dependent variables

Physical functioning
Performance tests for the measurement of dexterity, strength and endurance (approximation), using time needed for each of four tests: putting on a jacket, buttoning a button, walking 6 meters (maximal pace, including 180 degrees turn after 3 meters, and counting steps), and five chair stands not using arms. Source: NHANES III (NCHS, 1990), Hip Fracture Recovery Study (Magaziner, 1991)
Habitual level of activity (time and energy expenditure) using a list of the following physical activities: walking, biking, sporting, gardening, light housekeeping and heavy housekeeping work. Source: Caspersen et al. (1991), Voorrips et al. (1991)

Cognitive functioning
Cognitive impairment (MMSE). Source: Folstein, Folstein & McHugh (1975)
Everyday memory (4 items). Source: Wilson et al. (1985), Forbes (1992), LASA (Omitted from wave C and D)
Colored Progressive Matrices (abbreviated by 1/3) for fluid intelligence. Source: Raven (1984)
Coding task (Letter-letter Digit-digit abbreviated) for speed. Source: Rabbitt (1991)
15 word test (abbreviated) for memory and learning ability. Source: Rey (1964), Heslinga et al. (1983)

Emotional functioning
CES-D for depressive symptoms including a positive affect factor (20 items, 4 answering categories). Source: Radloff (1977)
Global well-being (2 items). Source: Statistics Netherlands (1990)
Meta-emotion (evaluating of emotional functioning, 4 items). Source: LASA

Social functioning
Social network characteristics, exchange of support, and confidant. Source: NESTOR-LSN (Van Tilburg, 1995; Van Tilburg et al., 1995)
Loneliness (11 items). Source: De Jong Gierveld & Kamphuis (1985)
Social participation (clubs, organizations, recreation, hobbies, classes) and motivation. Source: LASA

Outcomes
ADL: 2 questions on informal and formal support obtained (self care and instrumental), and a selection of 3 most valid ADL items (walking stairs, cutting toenails, using transportation). Source: LASA, Van Sonsbeek (1988) (Added at wave C and D: 3 other ADL items)
Care need, respondent's estimation of future care use and preferences formal-informal. Source: De Klerk & Huijsman (1992), Ormel et al. (1992) (Omitted from wave C and D: preferences for assistance and housing)
Knowledge and use of health and social services, including hospital and rehabilitation. Source: Bosma (1988) (Omitted from wave C and D)
Mortality, causes of death. Source: LASA, municipalities, Statistics Netherlands

Intermediary variables
Norms about aging (3 items). Source: LASA
Three most important out of nine aspects of life (income, housing, marriage, religion, time spending, physical and mental health, family, friends). Source: Statistics Netherlands (1990)
Humor as a coping strategy (5 items). Source: Lefcourt & Martin (1986)
Perceived self-efficacy (abbreviated, 12 items). Source: Sherer et al. (1982), Bosscher (1991)
Mastery (= Locus of control, abbreviated to 5 items). Source: Pearlin & Schooler (1978), Ormel et al. (1992)
Physical perceived self-efficacy (10 items). Source: Ryckman et al. (1982), Bosscher (1991)
Metamemory (evaluation of memory), abbreviated: strategy (10 items), anxiety (10 items), locus of control (5 items), achievement (3 items), change (1 item), capacity (1 item). Source: Dixon et al. (1988) (Omitted from wave C and D)
Norms about age limit to social participation (3-6 items). Source: LASA
Standards on relationship affiliation (abbreviated, 6 items). Source: Van Tilburg (1988) (Omitted from wave C and D)
Norms about formal and informal care (10 items). Source: De Klerk & Huijsman (1992), Ormel et al. (1992)

Independent variables
Demography; housing; living arrangements; work; pets; fear of criminality; income; income satisfaction; expected future income. Source: NESTOR-LSN, Arts et al. (1989), Krause (1991), LASA
Present and future health perception (RAND), abbreviated to 8 items. Source: Brook et al. (1979), Anderson et al. (1990)
Chronic conditions (CNLSD, CVD, CVA, Diabetes, Cancer, Arthritis, Incontinence). Source: Statistics Netherlands (1989), Van der Lende et al. (1975), Rose (1962)
Self-perceived health (2 items). Source: Statistics Netherlands (1989)
Pain, abbreviated to 6 items. Source: Hunt et al. (1981)
Menopause (females; 11 items). Source: Oldenhave (1991), LASA
Sleep (4 items). Source: GGD Groningen (1990)
Diet (10 items). Source: LASA
Prescription drug use, calcium, vitamin, iron (6 items). Source: NCHS (1990), LASA
Alcohol and tobacco use (14 items). Source: Statistics Netherlands (1989)
Senses: hearing, vision, speech. Source: Van Sonsbeek (1988)
Contrast sensitivity. Source: Ormel et al. (1992)
Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity. Source: Scialfa et al. (1988)
Spirometry: peak flow. Source: Yale (1988)
Blood pressure and heart rate (3 times). Source: Shigemi et al. (1990).
Weight history (6 items). Source: NCHS (1990)
Anthropometry: height, weight, fat distribution (1/7 bioelectrical impedance). Source: Lohman et al. (1988), NCHS (1990), Witteveen et al. (1990)
Blood parameters (4/5). Source: NCHS (1990)
Challenge from environment (3 items). Source: LASA
Self-esteem (1 item). Source: Tempelman (1987)
Evaluation of sexuality (3 items). Source: LASA
Anxiety (HADS, 7 items). Source: Zigmund & Snaith (1983)
Neuroticism, social inadequacy (DPQ, abbreviated to 23 items). Source: Luteijn et al. (1985)
Values and norms (Family traditionalism, Sex role conception, Religious orthodoxy, Left-right; 11 items). Source: SCP (1990), Middendorp (1978), LASA
Engagement. Source: LASA

Added to data collection C (1995-1996)
Scale for Religion
Life events
Groningen Intelligence Test, subscale vocabulary (GIT, 20 words). Source: Luteijn & van der Ploeg (1983)

Added to data collection D (1998-1999)
Age of parents at death
Cognitive problems of parents
Decisions about end of life
Screening for PTSD
Vignettes (4 vignettes, 5 questions) and scale (16 items) for filial responsibility expectations (Brody, Johnson & Fulcomer, 1984; Hamon & Blieszner, 1990)
Happiness
Subjective age

References

Anderson, J.S.T., Sullivan, F., & Usherwood, T.P. (1990). The Medical Outcome Study Instrument (MOSI): Use of a new health status measure in Britain. Family Practice, 7, 205-218.

Arts, C.H., Hommel, A.A.C., Felling, A.J.A., & Knipscheer, C.P.M. (1989). Ouderen geprofileerd: Meetinstrumenten ten behoeve van het gemeentelijk ouderenbeleid [Older persons in profile. Measurement instruments for municipal policy on aging]. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Vrije Universiteit, Department of Sociology.

Bosma, A. (1988). De gezondheid van mensen in de derde levensfase: Een onderzoek naar lichamelijke en psychische aspecten [Health of persons in the third phase of life: A study of physical and mental aspects]. Eindhoven, The Netherlands: Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst.

Bosscher, R.J. (1991). Runningtherapie bij depressie [Running therapy in depression]. PhD Dissertation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Brody, E.M., Johnson, P.T., & Fulcomer, M.C. (1984). What should adult children do for elderly parents? Opinions and preferences of three generations of women. Journal of Gerontology, 39, 6, 736-746.

Brook, R.H., Ware, J.E. jr., Davies-Avery, A., Stewart, A.L., Donald, C-A., Rogers, W.H., Williams, K.N., & Johnston, S.A. (1979). Overview of adult health status measures fielded in RAND's Health Insurance Study. Medical Care, 17 suppl., 1-113.

Caspersen, C.J., Bloemberg, B.P.M., Saris, W.H.M., Merritt, R.K, & Kromhout, D. (1991). The prevalence of selected physical activities and their relation with coronary heart disease risk factors in elderly men: The Zutphen Study, 1985. American Journal of Epidemiology, 133, 1078-1092.

Clark, P.G. (1991). Ethical dimensions of quality of life in aging: Autonomy vs. collectivism in the United States and Canada. The Gerontologist, 31, 631-639.

de Jong-Gierveld, J., & Kamphuis, F.H. (1985). The development of a Rasch-type loneliness-scale. Applied Psychological Measurement, 9, 289-299.

de Klerk, M.M.Y, & Huijsman, R. (1992). Preferenties van ouderen [Preferences of older persons]. Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Institute for Medical Technology Assessment.

Deeg, D.J.H., Knipscheer, C.P.M., & van Tilburg, W. (Eds.) (1993). Autonomy and well-being in the aging population: Concepts and design of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Bunnik, The Netherlands: Netherlands Institute of Gerontology.

Dixon, R.A., Hultsch, D.F., & Hertzog, C. (1988). The Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 24, 671-688.

Folstein, M.F., Folstein, S.E., & McHugh, P.R. (1975). 'Mini-Mental State': A practical method for grading the cognitive state of patients for the clinician. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 12, 89-198.

Forbes, W.F., Hayward, L.M., & Agwani, N. (1992). Geochemical risk factors for mental functioning based on the Ontario Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSA): I. Results from a preliminary investigation. Canadian Journal on Aging, 11, 269-280.

Gemeenschappelijke Gezondheidsdienst (GGD) Groningen-Goorecht Plus (1990). Health Interview Questionnaire. Groningen, The Netherlands.

Hamon, R.R. & Blieszner, R. (1990) Filial responsibility expectations among adult child-older parent pairs. Journal of Gerontology, 45, P110-P112.

Heslinga, H., van den Burg, W., & Saan, R.J. (1983). De nieuwe 15- woordentest A en B in een gezonde populatie [The new 15-word test in a healthy population]. Groningen, The Netherlands: University of Groningen, Department of Neuropsychology.

Hunt, S.M., McKenna, S.P., McEwan, J., Williams, J., & Papp, E. (1981). The Nottingham Health Profile: Subjective health status and medical consultations. Social Science and Medicine, 15A, 221-229.

Krause, N. (1991). Stress and isolation from close ties in later life. Journal of Gerontology, 46, Sl83-S194.

Lefcourt, H.M., & Martin, R.-A. (1986). Humor and life stress: Antidote to adversity. New York: Springer Verlag.

Lohman, T.G., Roche, A.E., & Martorell, R. (Eds) (1988). Anthropometric standardization reference manual. Illinois: Human Kinetics Books.

Luteijn, F., Staren, J., & van Dijk, H. (1985). Handleiding bij de Nederlandse Persoonlijkheids Vragenlijst [Manual for the Dutch Personality Questionnaire]. Lisse, The Netherlands: Swets & Zeitlinger.

Luteijn, F., & van der Ploeg, F.A.E. (1983). Groninger Intelligentie Test: Handleiding [Groninger Intelligence Test: Manual]. Lisse, The Netherlands: Swets & Zeitlinger.

Magaziner, J. (1991). Hip fracture recovery study patient-proxy concordance study field manual. Baltimore, MD, USA, University of Maryland, School of Medicine.

Middendorp, C.P. (1978). Progressiveness and conservatism: The fundamental dimensions of ideological controversy and their relationship to social science. Den Haag, The Netherlands / Paris, France: Mouton Publishers.

National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) (1990). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III data collection forms. Hyattsville, MD, USA, US Department of Health and Human Services.

Olbrich, E. (1987). Kompetenz im Alter [Competence in old age]. Zeitschrift für Gerontologie, 20, 319-330.

Oldenhave, A. (1991). Well-being and sexuality in the climacteric: A survey based on 6622 women. PhD Dissertation, University Utrecht.

Ormel, J., Kempen, G.I.J.M., Wolffensperger, E.W., Steverink, B.J.M., van Eijk, L.M., & Brilman, E.I. (1992). NESTOR Program "The Groningen Longitudinal Aging Study 1992-1996 on functional status and need for care." Groningen, The Netherlands: Northern Research Centre for Health Issues, University of Groningen.

Pearlin, L.J., & Schooler, C. (1978). The structure of coping. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 19, 2-21.

Rabbitt, P. (1991). Coding task. Manchester, UK: University of Manchester, Age and Cognitive Performance Research Centre.

Radloff, L.S. (1977). The CES-D scale: A self-report depression scale for research in the general population. Applied Psychological Measurement, 1, 385-401.

Raven, J.C. (1984). Manual for the Coloured Progressive Matrices (revised). Windsor, U.K: NFER-Nelson.

Rey, A. (1964). L’examen clinique en psychologie. Paris, France: Presses Universitaires de France.

Robins, L.N., Helzer, J.E., Croughton, J., & Ratcliff, K.S. (1981). National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule: Its history, characteristics and validity. Archives of General Psychiatry, 38, 381-389.

Rodin, J. (1986). Aging and health: Effects of the sense of control. Science, 233, 1271-1276.

Rose, G.A. (1962). The diagnosis of ischaemic heart pain and intermittant claudication in field surveys. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 27, 645-658.

Ryckman, R.M., Robbins, M.A., Thornton, B., & Cantrell, P. (1982). Development and validation of a physical self-efficacy scale: Construction and validation. Psychological Reports, 42, 891-900.

Scialfa, C.T., Tyrrell, R.-A., Garvey, PM., Deering, L.M., Leibowitz, H.W., & Goebel, C.C. (1988). Age differences in Vistech near contrast sensitivity. American Journal of Optometry & Physiological Optics, 65, 951-956.

Sherer, M., Maddux, J.E., Mercandante, B., Prentice-Dunn, S., Jacobs, B., & Rogers, R.W. (1982). The self-efficacy scale: Construction and validation. Psychological Reports, 51, 663-671.

Shigemi, K, Takahashi, H., Hashimoto, S., Nomi, S., Chihara, E., Kinoshita, T., Tanaka, Y., & Miyazaki, M. (1990). A comparative study of measurement of arterial blood pressure using HEM812F and arterial cannulation. Journal of Anesthesia, 4, 91-93.

Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau (SCP) (1990). Sociaal en cultureel rapport [Social and cultural report]. Rijswijk, The Netherlands: Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau.

Statistics Netherlands (1989). Health interview questionnaire. Heerlen, The Netherlands: Central Bureau of Statistics.

Statistics Netherlands (1990). Sociale kerncijfers: Trends uit de leefsituatieonderzoeken [Trends from the Life Style Surveys]. Mens en Maatschappij, 65, 434-442.

Tempelman, C.J.J. (1987). Welbevinden bij ouderen: Konstruktie van een meetinstrument [Wellbeing in older persons: Construction of a measurement instrument]. PhD Dissertation. University of Groningen.

van der Lende, R., Jansen-Koster, E.J., Knijpstra, S., Meinesz, A.F., Wever, A.M.J., & Orie, N.G.M. (1975). Definitie van CARA in epidemiologie en preventie [Definition of CNSLD in epidemiology and prevention]. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor de Geneeskunde, 119, 1975-1987.

van Sonsbeek, J.L.A. (1988). Methodische en inhoudelijke aspecten van de OESO-indicator betreffende langdurige beperkingen in het lichamelijk functioneren [Methodological and substantial aspects of the OECD indicator of chronic functional limitations]. Maandbericht Gezondheid (Statistics Netherlands), 88, 4-17.

van Tilburg T.G. (1988). Verkregen en gewenste ondersteuning in het licht van de eenzaamheidservaringen [Obtained and desired social support in association with loneliness]. PhD Dissertation, Vrije Universiteit.

van Tilburg, T.G. (1995). Delineation of the social network and differences in network size. In C.P.M. Knipscheer, J. de Jong Gierveld, T.G. van Tilburg, & P.A. Dykstra (Eds.), Living arrangements and social networks of older adults (pp. 83-96). Amsterdam: VU University Press.

van Tilburg, T.G., Broese van Groenou, M.I., & Thomése, G.C.F. (1995). Flow of support. In C.P.M. Knipscheer, J. de Jong Gierveld, T.G. van Tilburg, & P.A. Dykstra (Eds.), Living arrangements and social networks of older adults (pp. 131-154). Amsterdam: VU University Press.

Voorrips, L.E., Ravelli, A.C., Dongelmans, P.C., Deurenberg, D., & van Staveren, W.A. (1991). A physical activity questionnaire for the elderly. Med Sci Sports Exercise, 23, 974-979.

Wilson, B.-A., Cockburn, J., & Baddelen, A.D. (1985). The Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test. Titchfield, U.K: Thomas Valley Test Co.

Witteveen, A.D., Löwik, M.R.H., Deurenberg, P., & van Houten, P. (1990). Lichaamsbouw en samenstelling van oudere vrouwen met verschil in zorgbehoefte [Body build and body composition in older women with different care needs]. Tijdschrift Sociale Gezondheidszorg, 68, 287-292.

Yale Health and Aging Study (1988). Face to face questionnaire. New Haven, CT, USA: Yale University School of Medicine.

Zigmund, A.S., & Snaith, R.P. (1983). The hospital anxiety and depression scale. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 67, 361-370.

For more information: Click here