SHARE - Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe
SHARE-ERIC is a leading European research infrastructure consortium that provides comprehensive data on the health and quality of life of older people in Europe. With over 530,000 interviews, it supports evidence-based policy decisions and promotes social justice.
About SHARE-ERIC
editSHARE-ERIC, the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, is a leading European research infrastructure consortium dedicated to investigating the impacts of health, social, economic, and environmental policies on the life course of European citizens. Since its establishment in 2011 as the first European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), SHARE-ERIC has conducted over 530,000 detailed interviews with 140,000 individuals aged 50 and older in 28 European countries and Israel. This extensive data collection makes SHARE-ERIC the largest pan-European social science panel study providing internationally comparable longitudinal microdata.
Key Products and Services
editSHARE-ERIC offers a unique database that enables researchers to gain in-depth insights into the public health and socioeconomic living conditions of European individuals. The data is harmonized with the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and serves as a model for similar ageing studies worldwide. This data supports evidence-based policy decisions and contributes to improving the quality of life for older people.
Mission and Values
editThe main mission of SHARE-ERIC is to contribute to improving the living conditions of older people in Europe through sound research. The consortium places great importance on scientific excellence, international collaboration, and the provision of high-quality data for the research community. The values of SHARE-ERIC include integrity, transparency, and the promotion of knowledge transfer and innovation.
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editSHARE-ERIC is committed to sustainable research practices and the promotion of social justice. By providing data that highlights the impacts of ageing and social changes, SHARE-ERIC supports the development of policies that address the needs of an ageing population. Additionally, the consortium promotes gender equality and has implemented a Gender Equality Plan to ensure equal opportunities in research.
Current Developments
editSHARE-ERIC is centrally coordinated by the Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA) at the Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy. The organization has recently relocated its headquarters to Munich and plans to open the new SHARE Berlin Institute to further expand its research activities. SHARE-ERIC is supported by funding from the European Commission, the US National Institute on Aging, and national sources, particularly the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
With its comprehensive database and commitment to excellent research, SHARE-ERIC remains an indispensable player in the field of ageing research in Europe.