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Household saving, health, and healthcare utilization in Japan
[Stature, obesity, and portfolio choice]

Author

Listed:
  • Raslan Alzuabi
  • Sarah Brown
  • Daniel Gray
  • Mark N Harris
  • Christopher Spencer

Abstract

We explore the effects of health and healthcare utilization on household saving and financial portfolios using data from the Japanese Household Panel Survey and the Keio Household Panel Survey. Poor psychological well-being is found to be associated with lower levels of savings and smaller financial portfolios, whereas associations with poor physical health are largely absent. Significantly, our findings do not support the hypothesis that poorer physical health is associated with savings accumulation. In contrast, healthcare utilization in the form of hospital visits, hospitalization, and health screening is associated with greater savings and larger financial portfolios. This suggests that healthcare-based incentives to accumulate savings and financial wealth are related to channels associated with investment in health.

Suggested Citation

  • Raslan Alzuabi & Sarah Brown & Daniel Gray & Mark N Harris & Christopher Spencer, 2022. "Household saving, health, and healthcare utilization in Japan [Stature, obesity, and portfolio choice]," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 74(2), pages 473-497.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxecpp:v:74:y:2022:i:2:p:473-497.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oep/gpab025
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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