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This paper investigates the mechanisms behind the health effects of retirement. Using a Regression Discontinuity Design to exploit financial incentives in the German pension system for identification, I find that retirement improves subjective health status and mental health, while also reducing outpatient care utilization. I explore a wide range of health behaviors, time use, and effect heterogeneity as potential mechanisms. Relief from work-related stress and strain, increased sleep duration as well as more frequent physical exercise seem to be key mechanisms through which retirement affects health.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jhealeco.2015.05.001

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Health Econ

Publication Date

09/2015

Volume

43

Pages

1 - 12

Keywords

Health, Health behavior, Healthcare, Regression Discontinuity Design, Retirement, Aged, Female, Germany, Health Behavior, Health Services, Health Status, Humans, Male, Mental Health, Middle Aged, Models, Econometric, Pensions, Personal Satisfaction, Regression Analysis, Retirement, Socioeconomic Factors