The Medical Research Council (MRC) National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD), also known as the 1946 British birth cohort study, is the oldest and longest-running birth cohort study in the UK. Initially, the study aimed to explore the impact of home and school environments on children's physical and mental development and educational outcomes. As participants aged, the focus shifted to understanding how early life health and development, along with social circumstances throughout life, influence health and functioning in adulthood. Today, the NSHD serves as a comprehensive life course study of ageing, providing valuable insights into the factors that contribute to health and well-being in later life. The study's longitudinal design and extensive data collection have made it a critical resource for researchers examining the long-term effects of early life conditions on ageing and health outcomes.

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