Authors

• Kokko, Katja (University of Jyväskylä. Gerontology Research Centre and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences)

Keywords

COVID-19, ageing, education, families, family life, housing, labour and employment, life cycle, life events, life histories, well-being (health)

Abstract

The Life History Calendar 2020-2021 is part of the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS), which has followed the same individuals since 1968. This research wave explores the lives of participants, now around 61 years old, across key areas such as family, work, housing, health and leisure. Data collection for this phase included a life situation questionnaire, a psychological interview, self-assessment forms, a health examination and monitoring of physical activity. During the interview, participants described their life history from the age of 49 onwards using a timeline chart.

The calendar was used to examine, year by year, the places where the respondent had lived and the timing of any moves. Cohabiting and marital relationships, as well as the births of children and grandchildren, were also noted. Further questions covered education, full- and part-time employment, periods of unemployment, new job roles and retirement. Participants were asked to report the deaths of friends and close relatives, along with other adverse life events. In addition, they were asked about any personal offences and other matters that had caused particular concern. Finally, matters that had brought particular joy were documented.