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Is Your Commute Killing You? On the Mortality Risks of Long-Distance Commuting

Author

Listed:
  • Erika Sandow

    (Department of Geography and Economic History, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden)

  • Olle Westerlund

    (Umeå School of Business and Economics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden; and Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics, PO Box 35, FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä, Finland)

  • Urban Lindgren

    (Department of Geography and Economic History, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden)

Abstract

There is a general belief that expanding labour-market regions, triggered by increased commuting, have positive economic effects on individuals, firms, and society. Recently, however, scholars have reported possible negative outcomes related to health and well-being. Based on these findings, this study addresses the association between long-distance commuting, and mortality. Using longitudinal individual data from between 1985 and 2008, focusing on 55-year-olds in 1994, we model mortality through propensity score matching and Kaplan–Meyer estimates of survival among long-distance commuters and matched controls from the population travelling short distances to work. The results indicate that women who have experienced long-distance commuting face a significantly higher mortality risk compared with women with short commutes to work. This seems to be driven by variations in income and education: for example, for women with long-distance commuting experience, substantially lower survival rates are found among those with low education and low income. A very different picture emerges for men, for whom mortality risks do not seem to be associated with long-distance commuting. Our findings suggest that men and women are subject to different mechanisms regarding the nexus between commuting and mortality.

Suggested Citation

  • Erika Sandow & Olle Westerlund & Urban Lindgren, 2014. "Is Your Commute Killing You? On the Mortality Risks of Long-Distance Commuting," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 46(6), pages 1496-1516, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:46:y:2014:i:6:p:1496-1516
    DOI: 10.1068/a46267
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    6. Lorenz, Olga & Goerke, Laszlo, 2015. "Commuting and Sickness Absence," VfS Annual Conference 2015 (Muenster): Economic Development - Theory and Policy 113173, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
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