Documentation of Physical Measures, Anthropometrics and Blood Pressure in the Health and Retirement Study

The assessment of physical performance is an important component of the evaluation of functioning of older persons. The HRS has employed a set of standardized assessments of lung function, grip strength, balance, and walking speed. In addition, HRS collected measures of blood pressure, height, weight, and waist circumference. In 2006, HRS included the following measurements, administered in this order: Blood pressure; Lung function; Hand grip strength; Balance tests; Timed walk; Height; Weight; Waist circumference. This report describes the following for each of the measures listed above: Rationale and key citations; Sample description; Measure description; Equipment; Protocol description; Special instructions