The DEAS is a nationwide representative cross-sectional and longitudinal survey of the German population aged 40 and older. It is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)
The comprehensive examination of people in midlife and older adulthood provides information and data for use both in social and behavioural research and in reporting on social developments. The data thus represent an important source of information for decision-makers, the general public and for scientific research. The first DEAS survey wave took place in 1996, further waves followed in 2002, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020/2021. Another survey is currently taking place and will be completed in the summer of 2023. The collection of data is conducted by infas - Institut für angewandte Sozialwissenschaft GmbH (infas Institute for Applied Social Sciences).
In the summer of 2020, a short survey was conducted on the consequences of the Coronavirus crisis on the everyday life and living situation of people in the second half of life. This resulted in several issues of the DZA Aktuell (in German only).
In 2023 an open access publication, based on DZA Aktuell issues, was published: Simonson, J., Wünsche, J., & Tesch-Römer, C. (Eds.) (2023). Ageing in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Wiesbaden: Springer VS. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-40487-1
Particular issues addressed in the surveys include an assessment of occupational status and living conditions after retirement, social participation and leisure activities, economic and housing situation, family ties and other social contacts, as well as issues regarding health and well-being.
Data of all waves is available for the scientific community. For further information to the use of DEAS data, please visit the pages of our Research Data Centre (FDZ-DZA)
The following scientific staff from the DZA is involved in the survey
Interim Head
Interim Deputy Head
Interim Deputy Head
Principal Investigator
Scientist
Scientist
Scientist
Research Assistant
Student Assistant
Student Assistant
Student Assistant
Student Assistant