Research ArticleArticle
The Influence of Weather Conditions on Joint Pain in Older People with Osteoarthritis: Results from the European Project on OSteoArthritis
Erik J. Timmermans, Laura A. Schaap, Florian Herbolsheimer, Elaine M. Dennison, Stefania Maggi, Nancy L. Pedersen, Maria Victoria Castell, Michael D. Denkinger, Mark H. Edwards, Federica Limongi, Mercedes Sánchez-Martínez, Paola Siviero, Rocio Queipo, Richard Peter, Suzan van der Pas and Dorly J.H. Deeg for the EPOSA Research Group
The Journal of Rheumatology September 2015, jrheum.141594; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.141594
Erik J. Timmermans
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Laura A. Schaap
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Florian Herbolsheimer
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Elaine M. Dennison
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Stefania Maggi
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Nancy L. Pedersen
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Maria Victoria Castell
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Michael D. Denkinger
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Mark H. Edwards
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Federica Limongi
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Mercedes Sánchez-Martínez
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Paola Siviero
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Rocio Queipo
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Richard Peter
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Suzan van der Pas
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Dorly J.H. Deeg
From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vrije Universiteit (VU) University Medical Center; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch, Padova, Italy; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The Indicators for Monitoring Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma - Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm study (IMCA - ActiFE) was supported by the European Union (No. 2005121) and the Ministry of Science, Baden-Württemberg. The Italian cohort study is part of the National Research Council Project on Aging (PNR). The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. The Peñagrande study was partially supported by the National Fund for Health Research (Fondo de Investigaciones en Salud) of Spain (project numbers FIS PI 05/1898; FIS RETICEF RD06/0013/1013 and FIS PS09/02143). The Swedish Twin Registry is supported in part by the Swedish Ministry of Higher Education. The Hertfordshire Cohort Study is funded by the Medical Research Council of Great Britain, Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. E.J. Timmermans, MSc, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; L.A. Schaap, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam; F. Herbolsheimer, MSc, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; E.M. Dennison, PhD, Professor, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; S. Maggi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; N.L. Pedersen, PhD, Professor, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet; M.V. Castell, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; M.D. Denkinger, PhD, Bethesda Geriatric Clinic, University of Ulm; M.H. Edwards, PhD, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital; F. Limongi, PhD, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; M. Sánchez-Martínez, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; P. Siviero, MSc, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Aging Branch; R. Queipo, MSc, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Unit of Primary Care and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; R. Peter, PhD, Professor, Institute of the History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University of Ulm; S. van der Pas, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center; D.J. Deeg, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center. Address correspondence to Erik J. Timmermans, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1089A, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands. E-mail: ej.timmermans{at}vumc.nl. Accepted for publication June 29, 2015.
Abstract
Objective This study examined whether daily weather conditions, 3-day average weather conditions, and changes in weather conditions influence joint pain in older people with osteoarthritis (OA) in 6 European countries.
Methods Data from the population-based European Project on OSteoArthritis were used. The American College of Rheumatology classification criteria were used to diagnose OA in older people (65–85 yrs). After the baseline interview, at 6 months, and after the 12–18 months followup interview, joint pain was assessed using 2-week pain calendars. Daily values for temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, and wind speed were obtained from local weather stations. Multilevel regression modelling was used to examine the pain-weather associations, adjusted for several confounders.
Results The study included 810 participants with OA in the knee, hand, and/or hip. After adjustment, there were significant associations of joint pain with daily average humidity (B = 0.004, p < 0.01) and 3-day average humidity (B = 0.004, p = 0.01). A significant interaction effect was found between daily average humidity and temperature on joint pain. The effect of humidity on pain was stronger in relatively cold weather conditions. Changes in weather variables between 2 consecutive days were not significantly associated with reported joint pain.
Conclusion The associations between pain and daily average weather conditions suggest that a causal relationship exist between joint pain and weather variables, but the associations between day-to-day weather changes and pain do not confirm causation. Knowledge about the relationship between joint pain in OA and weather may help individuals with OA, physicians, and therapists to better understand and manage fluctuations in pain.
In this issue
The Journal of Rheumatology
Vol. 53, Issue 8
1 Aug 2026
The Influence of Weather Conditions on Joint Pain in Older People with Osteoarthritis: Results from the European Project on OSteoArthritis
Erik J. Timmermans, Laura A. Schaap, Florian Herbolsheimer, Elaine M. Dennison, Stefania Maggi, Nancy L. Pedersen, Maria Victoria Castell, Michael D. Denkinger, Mark H. Edwards, Federica Limongi, Mercedes Sánchez-Martínez, Paola Siviero, Rocio Queipo, Richard Peter, Suzan van der Pas, Dorly J.H. Deeg
The Journal of Rheumatology Sep 2015, jrheum.141594; DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.141594
The Influence of Weather Conditions on Joint Pain in Older People with Osteoarthritis: Results from the European Project on OSteoArthritis
Erik J. Timmermans, Laura A. Schaap, Florian Herbolsheimer, Elaine M. Dennison, Stefania Maggi, Nancy L. Pedersen, Maria Victoria Castell, Michael D. Denkinger, Mark H. Edwards, Federica Limongi, Mercedes Sánchez-Martínez, Paola Siviero, Rocio Queipo, Richard Peter, Suzan van der Pas, Dorly J.H. Deeg
The Journal of Rheumatology Sep 2015, jrheum.141594; DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.141594
