In Understanding Society: UK Household Longitudinal Study 'Self-defined disabled' has been calculated using the variable Health. This question asks “Do you have any long-standing physical or mental impairment, illness or disability? By 'long-standing' I mean anything that has troubled you over a period of at least 12 months or that is likely to trouble you over a period of at least 12 months.” This question is able to be answered by proxy. In this question a respondent decides to self-identify as disabled. This question is not the GSS Harmonised principle for assessing long lasting health conditions or illness.
Parents of adult children (aged 16 years and over) not living with them
Applicable only to those who have identified they have grandchildren
Adults aged 16 years and over were asked if they regularly or frequently perform certain tasks for their children aged 16 years or older who are not living with them and if they regularly or frequently receive any of these from their children aged 16 years or older not living with them. Tasks include “Giving them lifts in your car (if you have one) / Shopping for them / Providing or cooking meals / Looking after their children / Washing, ironing or cleaning / Dealing with personal affairs e.g. paying bills, writing letters / Decorating, gardening or house repairs/ Financial help/ Anything else”.