The mortality effects of retirement: Evidence from Social Security eligibility at age 62

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Fitzpatrick, Maria D.; Moore, Timothy J.
• 署名单位: Cornell University; National Bureau of Economic Research; University of Melbourne
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2017.12.001
• 发表日期: 2018
• 页码: 121-137
• 关键词: Social Security; retirement; labor force participation; mortality; HEALTH; Economic determinants of health

摘要

Social Security eligibility begins at age 62, and approximately one third of Americans immediately claim at that age. We examine whether age 62 is associated with a discontinuous change in aggregate mortality, a key measure of population health. Using mortality data that covers the entire U.S. population and includes exact dates of birth and death, we document a robust two percent increase in male mortality immediately after age 62. The change in female mortality is smaller and imprecisely estimated. Additional analysis suggests that the increase in male mortality is connected to retirement from the labor force and associated lifestyle changes.