If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact us by telephone or, alternatively, by email or post. During a brief telephone call (approximately 15 minutes), we will ask you a few questions to determine whether you are eligible to participate in the study. Contact details

Eligibility Criteria for Your Participation

Nonagenarian Cohort

  • At least 90 years of age
  • Resident in the city of Mainz, the Mainz-Bingen district, the Alzey-Worms district, the city or district of Bad Kreuznach, the Donnersberg district, or the city of Worms
  • Able to manage everyday life without major limitations (e.g. able to dress and perform daily personal care without assistance)


Healthy Ageing Cohort (already completed)

  • 71–85 years of age, without any acute, congenital or chronic condition requiring medical treatment or considered by physicians to be not fully resolved
  • Resident in the city of Mainz, the Mainz-Bingen district, the Alzey-Worms district, the city or district of Bad Kreuznach, the Donnersberg district, or the city of Worms
  • Not taking any medication
  • Has a general practitioner and regularly attends preventive medical check-ups
  • Non-smoker (or former smoker)
  • No more than slightly overweight
  • Alcohol consumption does not exceed the recommended maximum amount
  • Not actively participating in other health-related studies

Preliminary Questionnaire and Examinations

If you meet the inclusion criteria and are interested in participating, we will arrange an appointment for the comprehensive examinations at the study centre. Before your appointment at the study centre, you will receive a questionnaire in advance. We kindly ask you to complete it before your appointment. The examinations are conducted over two days.

All examinations are highly standardised using state-of-the-art medical technology, meaning that they are performed in a comparable manner for all participants, and are conducted by specially trained medical staff. On the first day, the examination programme at the study centre takes approximately six hours, including a break and a light snack. Participants who meet specific eligibility criteria may be invited for an additional programme of approximately three hours on the second day, including an MRI scan and more detailed cognitive testing. Thanks to many years of experience, the individual examinations are very well organised, so that there are no waiting times. In addition, we will provide you with an activity monitor to record your physical activity for seven days following your appointment at the study centre. You can return the activity monitor at the study centre on the second examination day or send it back using the prepaid return envelope provided.

Afterwards, we would like to monitor changes in your health for up to five years by obtaining data from your treating physicians and, with your consent, from your health insurance provider. Participation is voluntary and can be discontinued at any time.