NorLAG easy-to-use, 2002–2008, panel

NorLAG easy-to-use is a user-friendly data file from the Norwegian panel study on Life course, Ageing and Generation (NorLAG). NorLAG is an interdisciplinary and longitudinal study that aims to provide increased knowledge about variation and changes in the second half of life (40 years and older) by studying behaviour and life transitions in four central life areas: (1) work and retirement, (2) family and generations, (3) mental health and well-being, and (4) health and care. In all areas, gender, cohort and local communities are given particular attention.

Two waves of data collection have been conducted, wave 1 in 2002-2003, and wave 2 in 2007-2008. The data file comprises 7,048 respondents from 30 municipalities and townships in Norway. Refreshment samples for all age groups were added in the second wave of the study. A total of 3,765 respondents participated in both waves of NorLAG.

Compared to the original data file, the NorLAG easy-to-use file facilitates data accessibility by:
- coordinating variable names for both time points (e.g. health changes the last year “healt01_1” and “healt01_2”)
- including ready-made scales and core variables
- filter-coding each variable
- providing more detailed documentation (http://norlag.nova.no)

The NorLAG easy-to-use file is part of the research infrastructure project ACCESS Life Course Database, which is run by NOVA in collaboration with Statistics Norway, and financed by the Research Council of Norway. The current data file edition was updated and quality assured in June 2014. If you have any questions or comments regarding the data file, please contact us at: [e-mail]