Canada's General Social Survey collected data on social trends over time through annual surveys and special topics questionnaires. This first round of the General Social Survey - Health and Social Support, 1985 - collected data on the health and lifestyle of the adult popultion, with a focus on social support available to the elderly. In 1985, the sample included 11,200 persons over the age of 15; 8,070 respondents aged 15-64 and 3,130 respondents aged 65 and older. The 65 and older age group was oversampled to increase reliability of the special focus on social support for the elderly.