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. 2016 Dec:50:183-197.
doi: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2016.10.002. Epub 2016 Oct 19.

Do working conditions at older ages shape the health gradient?

Lauren L Schmitz  1
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Do working conditions at older ages shape the health gradient?

Lauren L Schmitz. J Health Econ. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

This study examines whether working conditions at the end of workers' careers impact health and contribute to health disparities across occupations. A dynamic panel correlated random effects model is used in conjunction with a rich data set that combines information from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), expert ratings of job demands from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), and mid-career earnings records from the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Master Earnings File (MEF). Results reveal a strong relationship between positive aspects of the psychosocial work environment and improved self-reported health status, blood pressure, and cognitive function. However, there is little evidence to suggest that working conditions shape observed health disparities between occupations in the years leading up to retirement.

Keywords: Aging workers; Health; Health disparities; Socioeconomic status; Working conditions.

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Figures

Figure A1
Figure A1
Kaplan-Meier Survivial Estimates by Occupational Status, Male Workers Note: Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were constructed from the full sample of male workers in the HRS between 1992 and 2010 (total number of deaths=4,864).
Figure 1
Figure 1
Predicted SRHS by Occupational Status and Age
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