The Impact of Technological Change on Older Workers: Evidence from Data on Computer Use

Leora Friedberg

No 8297, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: New technologies like computers alter skill requirements. This paper explores two related effects of computers on older workers, who use computers less. The evolution of computer use in the Current Population Survey suggests that impending retirement reduces the incentive of older workers to acquire new skills. The Health and Retirement Study shows, further, that computer users retire later than non-users. This may arise because computer users choose to retire later and also because workers planning later retirement choose to acquire computer skills. Instrumental variables estimates suggest that computer use directly lowers the probability of retirement.

JEL-codes: J24 J26 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-lab, nep-ltv and nep-tid
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Published as Leora Friedberg, 2003. "The Impact of Technological Change on Older Workers: Evidence from Data on Computer Use," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 56(3), pages 511-529, April.

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Related works:
Journal Article: The Impact of Technological Change on Older Workers: Evidence from Data on Computer Use (2003)
Working Paper: The Impact of Technological Change on Older Workers: Evidence from Data on Computers (1999)
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