Fieldwork for one of India’s largest studies on ageing has commenced in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands following the completion of an intensive training programme for field investigators. The training, conducted by the Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Bangalore, marks the beginning of on-ground data collection under the second wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI).
IIHMR is serving as the designated field agency for the islands under the direction of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), an autonomous body functioning under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The LASI Wave-2 survey is a nationwide initiative aimed at generating comprehensive and representative data on individuals aged 45 years and above, along with their spouses, to better understand ageing patterns and related socio-economic and health dynamics.
The study covers a wide range of indicators through structured survey instruments, including household, individual, and community-level data. Household surveys focus on living conditions such as access to water, sanitation, electricity, consumption patterns, assets, debts, income, and insurance coverage. Individual interviews extend to demographic details, employment history, retirement status, health conditions, mental well-being, cognitive abilities, and social support systems.
In addition to interviews, the survey incorporates detailed health assessments. These include measurement of vital parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate, hand-grip strength, balance, vision, height, weight, and waist-to-hip ratio. Advanced assessments such as spirometry and dried blood spot collection are also part of the process, enabling laboratory-based analysis to supplement survey findings.
A total of 16 field investigators have undergone intensive training to carry out the survey across the islands. The training programme included practical sessions on obtaining informed consent, administering Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) tools, and conducting health assessments accurately. Mock interviews and supervised field visits in both urban and rural settings were conducted to ensure that investigators are equipped to handle diverse scenarios and engage effectively with participants.
The training also emphasised the importance of data accuracy and ethical considerations, particularly while collecting sensitive personal and health-related information. Investigators were trained to build rapport with respondents to ensure reliable data collection, which is critical for the success of a study of this scale.
The fieldwork for LASI Wave-2 has now been launched and is expected to continue until mid-June, covering multiple locations across the islands. The data collected during this period will contribute to a national database that informs policy decisions and programme design for an ageing population.
The project is being led by a core team comprising specialists in public health, demography, and information systems, ensuring that both technical and operational aspects of the survey are managed effectively. The coordinated approach reflects the scale and complexity of the study, which involves multiple layers of data collection and analysis.
As India witnesses a gradual increase in its ageing population, studies like LASI play a crucial role in shaping long-term strategies related to healthcare, social security, and welfare programmes. The inclusion of geographically remote regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ensures that the dataset remains representative and inclusive.
The ongoing fieldwork is expected to generate insights into ageing-related challenges specific to island populations, including access to healthcare, social support networks, and economic conditions. These findings are likely to contribute to more targeted and evidence-based interventions in the future.
With the survey now underway, the coming months will see extensive data collection efforts across the region, forming a key component of India’s broader effort to understand and respond to the needs of its ageing population.
