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Changes in Nutrient Intake at Retirement

Author

Listed:
  • Melvin Stephens Jr.
  • Desmond Toohey

Abstract

Prior research finds food expenditure decreases at retirement, which suggests households are inadequately saving. In contrast, other evidence shows that direct measures of food intake are unaffected by exiting the labor force. Using a wide array of data sources and methodologies, we find that food intake falls at retirement, including: declines in caloric and nutrient intake in cross-sectional datasets spanning 40 years, a decrease in caloric intake using longitudinal data, and a drop in a food intake index that relates diet composition to permanent income. We discuss the implications of these results in the context of life-cycle models of consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Melvin Stephens Jr. & Desmond Toohey, 2025. "Changes in Nutrient Intake at Retirement," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 17(1), pages 501-526, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:501-26
    DOI: 10.1257/app.20180378
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D15 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Intertemporal Household Choice; Life Cycle Models and Saving
    • G51 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Household Savings, Borrowing, Debt, and Wealth
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies

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