Economic Conditions and Mortality: Evidence from 200 Years of Data

David Cutler, Wei Huang () and Adriana Lleras-Muney

No 22690, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Using data covering over 100 birth-cohorts in 32 countries, we examine the short- and long-term effects of economic conditions on mortality. We find that small, but not large, booms increase contemporary mortality. Yet booms from birth to age 25, particularly those during adolescence, lower adult mortality. A simple model can rationalize these findings if economic conditions differentially affect the level and trajectory of both good and bad inputs into health. Indeed, air pollution and alcohol consumption increase in booms. In contrast, booms in adolescence raise adult incomes and improve social relations and mental health, suggesting these mechanisms dominate in the long run.

JEL-codes: H51 I1 I38 J10 N10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-gro, nep-hea, nep-his and nep-lab
Note: AG EH LS PE
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (34)

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