Work

Null Effects of the State Pension Age on Mortality in the Netherlands

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Increasing the state pension (SP) age in the Netherlands from 65 years in 2012 to 67 in 2024 has been shown to cause individuals to work longer. This study addresses a concern regarding possible adverse health effects of an increased SP-age, for example, because individuals trade health investments for working time. We empirically investigated the effects of individuals' SP-age on their annual probability of dying (mortality)-our health measure-by using data for the period 2012-2022 of 1.6 million individuals born in the years 1950-1957. For estimating causal effects we used a regression discontinuity framework which exploited that individuals' SP-age depends on their year and month of birth. Our empirical findings show negative associations of mortality with the SP-age and work, and do not support a causal effect of the SP-age on mortality, nor a causal effect of work on mortality. These findings hold for both genders, across socioeconomic groups, and for different causes of death. Hence, our findings suggest null effects of the SP-age on mortality.

Source: Health Economics

DOI: 10.1002/hec.70149

Authors: Adriaan Kalwij, Arie Kapteyn

Institutions: Utrecht University, University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Retirement, Disability, and Employment

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,050