easySHARE

easySHARE (version 9.0.0)

easySHARE is a simplified version of the SHARE database, designed primarily for researchers and students who are just starting with the analysis of complex longitudinal data.
While the main SHARE database is split into dozens of files by wave, easySHARE compiles information on all respondents across all countries and waves into a single dataset.

The data structure is much more user-friendly – information on respondents and their households is merged across all waves. Missing values are clearly classified and the dataset includes many derived variables (e.g., education level according to ISCED, health index, functional limitations, demographic and economic indicators).

easySHARE is fully compatible with other ageing studies (such as HRS and ELSA) and supports group registration for university teaching purposes.

Data Structure

The data are available as a single ZIP file containing information on respondents from all participating countries since 2004 (including the Czech Republic from 2006 onward). This format is ideal for teaching panel data analysis and for cross-country comparisons.

The archive also includes a Stata script used to create the easySHARE file from the main database – allowing users to trace how the variables were derived and linked, and to adapt the code for their own research.

Access to Data

The easySHARE dataset is available to registered users through the SHARE Research Data Center. Login credentials are the same as for the main database. The same terms of use apply.

Teachers can use a simplified registration form to grant students access for educational purposes.
More info: data access

Free Data Analysis in R

Guide to working with easySHARE (PDF).

easySHARE data are also available for analysis in R programming language:
http://www.r-project.org/