To promote data-driven research on public health, economic security and social participation in the context of ageing, Latvia is strengthening its involvement in the European-wide research initiative SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe). This interdisciplinary study provides a unique opportunity to obtain comparable data on the quality of life of people aged 50 and over in more than 25 countries.
As of 1 June 2025, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has launched a new project that aims not only to deepen Latvia's participation in this research infrastructure, but also to promote training for researchers and increase the availability and use of data in Latvia.
One of the key objectives of the project is to reinforce Latvia's participation in the SHARE ERIC research infrastructure – a significant step towards strengthening the country’s research capacity and long-term development.
SHARE is a European research initiative that provides in-depth insights into the processes of population ageing and the factors influencing them, covering areas such as health, economics, demography, and social support. It is a multidisciplinary panel study surveying individuals aged 50+, collecting data on their health status, psychological well-being, employment, income, education, family composition, relationships with children, social networks, and voluntary activities. The first wave of the study took place in 2004 with 11 participating countries. Over time, it has significantly expanded, now including 27 European countries and Israel. Latvia joined this internationally important study in 2017 during the 7th wave.
Access to the SHARE data for scientific research is provided free of charge, in compliance with EU and national data protection regulations, as well as publicly available usage conditions.
To foster the use of the SHARE data in research, the project foresees training activities for researchers and data users, thereby strengthening scientific capacity in Latvia.
The national node expert will represent Latvia at the SHARE meetings and working groups, ensuring information exchange and networking with coordinators from other participating countries.
This initiative is being implemented within the framework of the ERDF project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/014 “RSU Participation in the Horizon Europe Programme”.
