New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement Study – HWR

The New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement Study (HWR) is a study of people aged 55 years and over who live in New Zealand.

The study aims to provide information on issues relevant to people in this age group such as:

• health
• work
• retirement
• housing.

This research provides New Zealand residents with the opportunity to share their experiences to help inform national and international discussions on these important issues.

Data collection

The research has employed six modes of data collection to assess health and wellbeing among older adults in New Zealand:

• a biennial health survey
• anonymised linkage to national health records
• anonymised linkage to ACC records
• in-depth qualitative interviews on a range of topics
• face to face and telephone interviews asking participants about events of the early, mid and later lives
• face to face cognitive health screens.

Other names for the study

The New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement Study has also been known as:

• the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NZSLA) and the
• Independence Contribution Connection (ICC) study.

These projects have been led or co-led by the Health and Ageing Research Team (HART). They fall under the broader focus, resources and participant base of the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement Study.

Read more about the Health and Ageing Research Team