1970 British Cohort Study Age 51 data now available

Data from the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70) Age 51 Sweep are now available to download from the UK Data Service.

This dataset includes information collected from more than 8,000 study participants between 2021 and 2024 when they were age 51 to 53. It will provide vital insights into the lives of this group in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and during an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Find out more on the BCS70 Age 51 Sweep page.

BCS70 is the only nationally representative longitudinal study of generation X. It follows more than 17,000 people born in Britain in a single week in 1970.

This latest information will offer new opportunities for the study of midlife. Researchers will be able to investigate a range of policy relevant topics including healthy ageing, pensions and financial wellbeing, and caring responsibilities.

The data collection builds on the information collected across study participants’ lives, allowing for comparisons with earlier born generations at similar ages, particularly the 1958 cohort at 50, and the 1946 cohort at 53.

About the BCS70 Age 51 Sweep

Survey fieldwork for the Age 51 Survey ran from June 2021 until January 2024.  Interviews took place in-person or by video-call. Video calls were a new innovation added in response to the pandemic.

A total of 8,016 people took part. Survey fieldwork was conducted by NatCen and Verian (formerly Kantar).

What information was collected

During the Age 51 Sweep, study participants were asked questions covering various aspects of their lives. These included (in alphabetical order):

• alcohol consumption
• children who have died
• education
• employment situation
• expectations for the future
• finances
• gynaecological problems
• household relationships and family
• housing
• leisure activities
• life satisfaction
• menstruation
• mental health and wellbeing
• personality, views and attitudes
• physical health and health behaviours
• political attitudes and voting
• relationships and social support
• screen time and reading
• share of household tasks
• unsuccessful pregnancies.

As well as the questionnaire, study participants completed a series of cognitive assessments, including memory tests to measure cognitive function. They also kept a record of their diet on one weekday and one weekend day across a seven-day period.

What’s new at age 51?

Over the years, BCS70 has continued to build a picture of participants’ lives by collecting the same important information about them at each survey. They’ve also answered new questions appropriate to their stage of life.

In this latest survey, some of the new questions concerned:

• Covid-19 pandemic
• experience of domestic violence
• retirement expectations and pension arrangements
• social media use.

For the first time, participants were asked to complete the National Adult Reading Test (NART) cognitive assessment.

Data linkage

If they had not already given consent in earlier sweeps, participants were also asked for consent for data about their health, employment and earnings, held by various government departments and agencies, to be linked to their survey information. The study participant’s partner was also asked for consent for data linkage if they had not given their permission earlier.

Linking administrative data to survey records can expand the scope of research on various key social issues and help to fill in any gaps in the data provided by the participants themselves.

“Collecting data in midlife is crucial for future studies of ageing, especially for research on healthy ageing and preparedness for retirement.” Professor George Ploubidis, BCS70 director

Professor George Ploubidis, BCS70 director, said: “With BCS70 study participants now in their early 50s, these new data will enable researchers to understand how members of generation X are faring in midlife, especially in comparison to earlier born generations.

“This latest sweep will help researchers investigate some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. With an ageing population, the rise in the state pension age, and pressures on the NHS, it is vitally important to understand if this generation are ageing in good health and whether they are preparing for retirement. This group may also be juggling caring responsibilities between their children, grandchildren and their parents, so may be facing even greater pressures than previous generations.

“Building on the extensive data collected from participants over the past five decades, these latest insights can shed light on the risk factors driving poor health and cognitive decline. Using this evidence, policymakers and practitioners can aim to improve health awareness and behaviours in midlife, offering an opportunity to promote healthier ageing.”

“In addition, these data may help researchers understand the life course factors contributing to declines in labour market participation among the over 50s, as well as which groups may have to continue working past retirement age.”

How to access the data

Most of the Age 51 Sweep data are available from the UK Data Service under an end user licence agreement, with selected sensitive data available under secure access arrangements:

Data available under end user licence

Data available under secure access

Get the questionnaires and documentation

Visit the BCS70 Age 51 Sweep page to download the user guide, questionnaires, and other documentation of the data and fieldwork.

Register for the introductory webinar

Wednesday, 19 March 2025 | 12-1pm UK time | online

In this live webinar, explore the new data available from BCS70 at age 51, discover the value of this national cohort study for research into midlife and ageing, and learn about opportunities it opens for cross-cohort comparisons.

Register now