Information was collected from a self-administered questionnaire for the study participants about previously diagnosed medical conditions diagnosed by a doctor, eating habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, occupational stress, family predisposition, health-related quality of life and social environment.

Also, comprehensive medical data collection including results of physical assessment, medical diagnoses, and drug prescriptions were obtained from the general practitioner.

Blood, urine and stool samples were collected.

Information on cases of cancer during follow-ups is captured by the Saarland cancer registry. Mortality and causes of death are provided by residents’ registration offices of Saarland.

Information was collected from a self-administered questionnaire for the study participants about previously diagnosed medical conditions diagnosed by a doctor, eating habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, occupational stress, family predisposition, health-related quality of life and social environment.

Incident events were validated by general practitioners.

Information on cases of cancer during follow-ups is captured by the Saarland cancer registry. Mortality and causes of death are provided by residents’ registration offices of Saarland.

Information was collected from a self-administered questionnaire for the study participants to find out how often chronic diseases had occurred after the first interview. Also, information was collected on risk factors, previous illnesses, family history and relevant items on life style. New questions were asked about the need for care, on the one hand for the care of relatives and on the need for care. Another important focus was to inquire about the mobility and activity in order to be able to assess the development of possible restrictions in the aging process and their consequences.

A a standardized short telephone interview about cognitive function was completed.

Incident events were validated by general practitioners.

A blood sample was collected.

Information on cases of cancer during follow-ups is captured by the Saarland cancer registry. Mortality and causes of death are provided by residents’ registration offices of Saarland.

Information was collected from a self-administered questionnaire for the study participants to find out how often chronic diseases had occurred after the first interview. Also, information was collected on risk factors, previous illnesses, family history and relevant items on life style.

A telephone interview about cognitive function was completed.

Incident events were validated by general practitioners. A detailed geriatric assessment was completed at the study participants’ homes by study physicians.

A blood sample was collected.

Information on cases of cancer during follow-ups is captured by the Saarland cancer registry. Mortality and causes of death are provided by residents’ registration offices of Saarland.

Information was collected from a self-administered questionnaire for the study participants about previously diagnosed medical conditions diagnosed by a doctor, eating habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, occupational stress, family predisposition, health-related quality of life and social environment.

Incident events were validated by general practitioners. A detailed geriatric assessment was completed at the study participants’ homes by study physicians.

A blood sample was collected.

Information on cases of cancer during follow-ups is captured by the Saarland cancer registry. Mortality and causes of death are provided by residents’ registration offices of Saarland.

Information was collected from a self-administered questionnaire for the study participants to find out how often chronic diseases had occurred after the first interview. Also, information was collected on risk factors, previous illnesses, family history and relevant items on life style.

Incident events were validated by general practitioners. A detailed geriatric assessment was completed at the study participants’ homes by study physicians.

A blood sample was collected.

Information on cases of cancer during follow-ups is captured by the Saarland cancer registry. Mortality and causes of death are provided by residents’ registration offices of Saarland.

Information was collected from a self-administered questionnaire for the study participants about previously diagnosed medical conditions diagnosed by a doctor, eating habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, occupational stress, family predisposition, health-related quality of life and social environment.

A blood sample was collected.

Information on cases of cancer during follow-ups is captured by the Saarland cancer registry. Mortality and causes of death are provided by residents’ registration offices of Saarland.