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The Relationship between Working Hours and Mortality in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Murat Anil Mercan

    (Department of Economics, Gebze Technical University)

Abstract

This study bridges a gap in the literature by examining the relationship between working hours and the probability of mortality among older workers in the United States. We have applied the Cox regression method, a frequently used approach in survival analysis, to panel data from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS). We have found a small negative relationship exists between working hours and the probability of mortality. This study’s findings may raise questions about the need for initiatives in the European Union and other countries that regulate the length of work schedules.

Suggested Citation

  • Murat Anil Mercan, 2017. "The Relationship between Working Hours and Mortality in the United States," Working Papers 2017-01, Gebze Technical University, Department of Economics.
  • Handle: RePEc:geb:wpaper:2017-01
    as

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    File URL: https://www.gtu.edu.tr/fileman/Files/UserFiles/isletme_fakultesi_dekanligi/econwp/gtuwp-2017-01.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2017
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David E. Bloom & David Canning & Günther Fink, 2010. "Implications of population ageing for economic growth," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 26(4), pages 583-612, Winter.
    2. Jeremy M. Jacobs & Robert Hammerman-Rozenberg & Aaron Cohen & Jochanan Stessman, 2008. "Reading Daily Predicts Reduced Mortality Among Men From a Cohort of Community-Dwelling 70-Year-Olds," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 63(2), pages 73-80.
    3. Aïda Solé-Auró & Pierre-Carl Michaud & Michael Hurd & Eileen Crimmins, 2015. "Disease Incidence and Mortality Among Older Americans and Europeans," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 52(2), pages 593-611, April.
    4. Courtemanche Charles, 2009. "Longer Hours and Larger Waistlines? The Relationship between Work Hours and Obesity," Forum for Health Economics & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 12(2), pages 1-33, May.
    5. Noelke, C. & Beckfield, J., 2014. "Recessions, job loss, and mortality among older us adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(11), pages 126-134.
    6. Katja Pynnönen & Timo Törmäkangas & Riitta-Liisa Heikkinen & Taina Rantanen & Tiina-Mari Lyyra, 2012. "Does Social Activity Decrease Risk for Institutionalization and Mortality in Older People?," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 67(6), pages 765-774.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    mortality; working hours; the United States; male; female;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions

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