Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
What kind of survey is it?
The SHARE (Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) international survey collects data on the health, employment, and retirement of people over the age of 50.
Who commissions the survey?
Until 2023, SHARE was coordinated by the Munich Center for the Economics of Aging (MEA) at the Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy in Germany. As of 2023, SHARE is led by the new dedicated SHARE BERLIN Institute, based in Berlin. The countries conducting the SHARE survey established SHARE ERIC, an international rights organisation, in 2011. Hundreds of specialists from across Europe and beyond are part of the international research team.
The SHARE survey has been identified by the European Commission as a key source for assessing the comparability of national policies on social protection and social inclusion. The results of this survey are used to assess national pension, health, and welfare policies.
In Estonia, the survey is coordinated by the Estonian Institute for Population Studies of Tallinn University in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the National Institute for Health Development, and institutes of Tallinn University, University of Tartu, and Tallinn University of Technology.
Why are the data needed?
The population is ageing. Against this background, the state needs to improve its social security system, medical services, and the socio-economic environment. The survey reveals how quality of life affects health outcomes and economic opportunities in retirement.
How often is the survey conducted?
Nine waves of SHARE were conducted between 2004 and 2022. Estonia joined the fourth wave in 2011. From 2024 to 2025, Statistics Estonia will conduct the 10th wave of SHARE. The initial plan was to carry on the surveys until 2024, but at the international SHARE-ERIC Council Meeting in 2022 it was decided that the survey would continue beyond the end of the 10th wave in 2024. The survey waves are carried out every other year.
How are the participants selected?
People aged 50 or over were randomly selected at the start of the survey in 2011. Each wave also includes new people who have since entered the age group in question. The new sample persons also continue to report their life changes every two years.
How are the data collected?
Before the survey starts, a notification is sent to all the people in the sample, explaining the purpose of the survey and how they will be contacted. The notification is sent to the sampled person at thepostal address indicated in the population register.
In this survey, data are collected through a face-to-face interview. Some of the interim survey waves are conducted as telephone interviews.
How can I make sure that it is a survey by Statistics Estonia?
The surveys conducted by Statistics Estonia can be found in the 2024 survey schedule on our website. Face-to-face interviews are conducted by specially trained interviewers. The names and phone numbers of Statistics Estonia's interviewers can be checked on our website. In the case of a face-to-face interview, the respondent can always ask for the interviewer’s proof of employment. If you have any questions, please contact our customer support by phone at +372 625 9300 or by e-mail at klienditugi [at] stat.ee (klienditugi[at]stat[dot]ee).
How are the participants thanked for their contribution?
Each respondent receives a souvenir/gift voucher from the interviewer.
Where are the results published?
Statistics Estonia publishes most of the data collected by SHARE in the statistical database under the heading Multidomain statistics.