Inheritances, Intergenerational Transfers, and the Accumulation of Health

Katherine Carman

American Economic Review, 2013, vol. 103, issue 3, 451-55

Abstract: This paper considers the mechanisms behind a positive correlation between inheritances and health. First, there may merely be a correlation: those from families with enough wealth to provide an inheritance tend to have better health. Second, financial resources could be used to purchase inputs to health. Third, bequests may signal a stronger interest in one's child. This reminder to the child could improve their emotional well-being. On average, the positive correlation suggests merely correlation. However, among subsets of the population, particularly men and those expecting to receive an inheritance, there is a causal relationship likely driven by the third mechanism.

JEL-codes: D14 D64 I10 I31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.103.3.451
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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