1285.0 - Demographic Variables, 1999  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 11/08/1999   
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Contents >> Age >> Classification and coding

The classification criteria

13. The criterion used in classifying persons by age is the calculated time unit in complete years.

The standard classification

14. 'Age' is a flat classification containing one level with as many categories as needed for a particular collection or topic.

15. The standard categories are single, complete, calendar years to 98, and a category for 99 and over.

        0, 1, 2, 3,...97, 98, 99 and over.


The code structure

16. The code structure is 0 to 99. In ABS collections, 'Age' has no provision for 'Not stated/Inadequately described' and a 'best estimate' is generally provided for age, by either imputation, based on other related variables on the questionnaire, or any responsible adult (ARA) respondents. Note that data from sources which have a 'Not stated' code for 'Age' may include a 'Not stated' category in output. Alternatively, the 'Not stated' response may be incorporated into totals, providing that the 'Total' is footnoted to show it includes these responses (see topic Output).

17. The code structure is:


0
    0 years
1
    1 year
2
    2 years
98
    98 years
99
    99 years and over.


Residual categories and codes

18. There are no residual categories associated with this classification.

Supplementary codes

19. There are no supplementary categories associated with this classification.


Scope of the variable

20. The variable 'Age' applies to all persons.


Application of the classification to other variables

21. The prime purpose of the 'Age' classification is to produce data items which measure or indicate a person's age in years. However, the classification may be applied to a variety of variables such as Age on Arrival, Age of Reference Person, etc. In general, the classification can be applied if the variable has data ranging from 0 to 99 (and over) years of age.



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