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Widening Health Gap in the U.S. Labor Force Participation at Older Ages

Author

Listed:
  • Tomaz Cajner
  • Javier Fernández-Blanco
  • Virginia Sánchez-Marcos

Abstract

Using micro data from the CPS and the HRS, we document changes in labor force participation at older ages in the U.S. since the mid 1990s. Our main finding is that the over two-decade increase in participation is solely driven by individuals in good health, and does not differ across either educational or occupational groups. This phenomenon may importantly affect the results of social security reforms aiming at rising the mandatory retirement age, and may exacerbate the health gap in lifetime earnings.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomaz Cajner & Javier Fernández-Blanco & Virginia Sánchez-Marcos, 2021. "Widening Health Gap in the U.S. Labor Force Participation at Older Ages," Working Papers 1298, Barcelona School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bge:wpaper:1298
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    labor force participation; old ages; health;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality

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