Measuring the body
Participants from the southern study centres were generally smaller than those from the northern study centres. The participants from the study centres in Neubrandenburg, Augsburg, Saarbrücken and Essen had the highest body mass index (BMI) values.
SARS-CoV-2 infections
As part of the IMMUNEBRIDGE project, data and biosamples from nine population- and hospital-based studies were analysed to provide estimates of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infections and severe COVID-19 infections between June and November 2022. The researchers found relevant protection gaps in the oldest age group and in people with comorbidities.
Traffic noise
Two thirds of over 86,000 participants did not feel disturbed by traffic noise. One in ten reported strong/very strong disturbance, with the highest numbers in Berlin-Mitte and Leipzig. The strongest associations with noise disturbance were observed for factors relating to the individual living situation, such as the position of the bedroom facing the main road […]
Health risks for people on low incomes
In order to remain mentally fit for as long as possible in old age, it is important to understand which risk factors could affect cognitive performance at an early age. The study showed that cognitive performance was lower in people with an income below the poverty line compared to people with an income above the […]
Biodiversity
The presence of diverse birdlife in the neighbourhood was associated with positive psychological well-being.
Post-COVID
The risk of post-COVID symptoms was lower after an Omikron infection and after a fourth vaccination, and if you have already recovered well from an infection.
Anxiety and stress
The coronavirus pandemic and its protective measures have had an impact on the general and mental health of the population in Germany. There has been a significant increase in depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress.
Loneliness
32 per cent of NAKO participants described themselves as lonely during the pandemic – 26 per cent of men and 37 per cent of women. Older people were less affected than young people. One in two people felt lonelier during the first lockdown than before.
Education and cognitive functions
Cognitive skills were lower in older participants. Higher education was associated with better cognitive function.
Hand gripping strength and physical fitness
Hand grip strength and its maintenance in old age are an important indicator of health and physical performance, particularly in older people. Adults around the age of 40 had the highest hand grip strength. Up to this age, the hand grip strength of adults increased and then fell with age.