LifeLines: multidimensional cohort study and biobank

LifeLines investigates why some people get old in good health while others already have impairments early in their life.

LifeLines: multidimensional cohort study and biobank

LifeLines is one of the most valuable multidimensional cohortstudies and biobanks in the world. LifeLines offers a unique data resource for scientific use to study a broad scope of (epi)genetic, biomedical, environmental and psychosocial factors in relation to healthy Ageing, disease development, diet and general well being.The aim of LifeLines is to investigate why some people get old in a healthy manner, and others have already severe impairments or diseases early in their life.

LifeLines has evolved into a research infrastructure comprising an elaborated, longitudinal cohort, a biobank including a data warehouse and biomaterials, a dynamic research programme, and a collaborative network including other data- and biobanks.

The cohort study started in 2006. It is now the largest infrastructure to perform scientific population-based studies in the Netherlands, with more than 165,000 individuals which will be followed-up for 30 years.

LifeLines plays an important role in the Healthy Ageing approach of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). UMCG has developed a strategic focus on Healthy Ageing in all its primary domains: research, patient care and education & training. Several large-scale research programs and facilities, were set up within Healthy Ageing.