WHAT IS BASE-II?
Life expectancy is increasing, in Germany and worldwide. The Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II) investigates how these additional years can be lived healthily and actively. BASE-II is an extension and expansion of the Berlin Aging Study (BASE). In 1990–1993, this interdisciplinary study initially examined 516 men and women of the western part of Berlin aged between 70 and 100+ and has continuously followed them up over more than 15 years. The follow-up study BASE-II examines the physical, cognitive, and social conditions that contribute to successful aging. A total of 2,200 Berliners were examined at the first measurement point, including a young comparison group. The first wave of data collection started in 2009 and ended in 2014. Since then, BASE-II has been continued as a longitudinal study in order to track individual changes with age. Data include up to four waves of comprehensive medical examinations by physicians, extensive cognitive testing, and examinations of the brain structure. Questionnaire survey data have been obtained in the meantime for 10 and more waves.

The Berlin Aging Study is a multidisciplinary investigation of old people aged 70 to over 100 years who lived in former West Berlin. In the main study (1990–1993), a core sample of 516 individuals was closely examined in 14 sessions covering their mental and physical health, their psychological functioning, and their social and economic situation.

The study was continued as a longitudinal study, and surviving participants have been reexamined seven times.

To the webpage of the previous study BASE