Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP4200
Authors: Maarten Lindeboom; France Portrait; Gerard J. van den Berg
Abstract: This Paper analyses the effects of macroeconomic conditions throughout life on the individual mortality rate. We estimate flexible duration models where the individual?s mortality rate depends on current conditions, conditions earlier in life (notably during childhood), calendar time, age, individual characteristics, including individual socio-economic indicators, and interaction terms. We use individual data records from Dutch registers of birth, marriage, and death certificates, covering an observation window of unprecedented size (1812-1999). These are merged with historical data on macroeconomic and health indicators. The results indicate a strong effect of macroeconomic conditions during childhood on mortality at all ages. Those who are born in bad times on average have a high mortality rate throughout life, in particular during childhood itself and at ages above 50. Current macroeconomic conditions mostly have an effect on youths and on the elderly.
Keywords: Business Cycle; Death; Epidemics; Health; Life Expectancy; Longevity; Recession
JEL Codes: C50; I10; J10; N30
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| poor childhood economic conditions (I32) | increased mortality rates (I12) |
| current economic conditions (E66) | increased mortality rates (youth and elderly) (I14) |
| poor childhood economic conditions (I32) | increased mortality rates (at all ages) (I12) |
| age (J14) | relationship between economic conditions and mortality (I12) |