Protocol for the ‘Beyond 50’ prospective observational cohort study: Investigating the impact of physical and psychosocial factors on healthy ageing

Background Older adults exhibit unique risks for depression and anxiety, and the current generation of 50–70-year-olds are more likely to engage in risky drinking patterns or use illicit substances than previous generations. Changing metabolism, cognition and physical health changes associated with ageing may compound effects of these behaviours. Adults aged between 50–70 also experience periods of key life transition with changes in work and family dynamics that may contribute to individuals’ ability to age healthily. This protocol paper describes the Beyond 50 Study, a prospective cohort study that aims to investigate the association between key transition periods, physical and psychosocial health, and substance use to uncover insights on healthy ageing. Methods The Beyond 50 Study aims to recruit a cohort of 1000 adults aged 50–70 years within the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Local Government Areas in Victoria, Australia, a region with great sociodemographic and geographic diversity. Participants will be interviewed annually using questionnaires that measure health, psychosocial and substance use domains. An ethno-epidemiological approach will be applied, to explore health and social connectedness during pivotal transition periods through in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. These complimentary interviews will inform subsequent follow up surveys. Survey data will be linked with local health data provided through the National Centre for Healthy Ageing Data Platform. Discussion Findings from the Beyond 50 study will serve as a platform to directly inform local strategies to support healthy ageing, particularly as they relate to substance use and harm. Results will have relevance to healthy ageing in Australia and internationally.