Data of Survey Year 2023

The 2023 DEAS survey was conducted between December 2022 and June 2023. This wave integrates previous DEAS samples with the 2021 refreshment sample, combining both traditional and new survey modes: Interviews were conducted either in person or by telephone.

In terms of content, the 2023 main survey follows the structure of previous DEAS waves. Methodologically, the survey instruments were adapted to ensure maximum comparability between the different interview modes (in-person vs. telephone).

Sample and Data Collection

The longitudinal sample includes all panel-ready participants from the 1996 to 2021 baseline samples who could still be contacted. In total, 4,992 individuals aged 46 to 100 were successfully interviewed.

As in previous waves, participants were comprehensively surveyed about their living conditions. The key topics covered included:

  • Work and retirement
  • Partnerships, family, and intergenerational relationships
  • Social networks and support
  • Leisure activities and civic engagement
  • Housing and mobility
  • Economic situation and financial behavior
  • Subjective well-being
  • Health and health behavior
  • Need for assistance and long-term care
  • Attitudes, norms, and values
  • Sociodemographic data

Survey Structure

As in previous waves, the survey consisted of two main components:

  • Interview, conducted in person at the respondent’s home or by telephone
  • Self-administered questionnaire ("drop-off"), focusing on:
    • Subjective perspectives (e.g., aging perceptions, well-being)
    • Sensitive topics (e.g., financial situation, health)
    • Psychological scales

A total of 4,211 participants completed the drop-off questionnaire, with 772 respondents opting for the online version (CAWI).

Access to the Data

Detailed information about this and all previous DEAS survey waves, as well as the Scientific Use Files (SUFs), can be found in the documentation and on the DEAS project website.

Due to data protection regulations, access to the de facto anonymized datasets requires a data use agreement. The DEAS data is available exclusively for academic research and teaching and can only be accessed with written approval from the data provider. Application for free access to DEAS data: Application Form. 

The 2023 survey data is available in SPSS and Stata formats, currently with German variable and value labels (English versions will be available soon). After completing the data use agreement, the files can be downloaded from the secure access portal.