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Nature versus Nurture in Longevity

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  • Avi Simhon

    (The Hebrew University)

Abstract

This paper estimates the contribution of nature and nurture to the variance of longevity in a cross section of individuals. Our approach differs from that used in the genetics and biological literature in that we develop a simple model of longevity determination and use it to bound the contribution of nature to longevity. Using estimates of the key model parameters available in the demographic and genetics literature as well as our own estimate of the genetic transmission parameter (based on a new longevity dataset), we find that genetic factors (nature) cannot explain more than 32 percent of the cross-sectional variance in longevity. Our estimates also imply a weak intergenerational transmission of environmental factors. As a consequence, most of the variance in longevity is due to the variance of non-inherited environmental factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Avi Simhon, 2010. "Nature versus Nurture in Longevity," 2010 Meeting Papers 122, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    • Handle: RePEc:red:sed010:122
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Erik Plug & Wim Vijverberg, 2003. "Schooling, Family Background, and Adoption: Is It Nature or Is It Nurture?," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 111(3), pages 611-641, June.
    2. Solon, Gary, 1999. "Intergenerational mobility in the labor market," Handbook of Labor Economics, in: O. Ashenfelter & D. Card (ed.), Handbook of Labor Economics, edition 1, volume 3, chapter 29, pages 1761-1800, Elsevier.
    3. repec:pri:cheawb:case_paxson_economic_status_paper is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Bruce Sacerdote, 2002. "The Nature and Nurture of Economic Outcomes," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 92(2), pages 344-348, May.
    5. Black, Sandra E. & Devereux, Paul J. & Salvanes, Kjell G., 2009. "Like father, like son? A note on the intergenerational transmission of IQ scores," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 105(1), pages 138-140, October.
    6. repec:pri:cheawb:case_paxson_economic_status_paper.pdf is not listed on IDEAS
    7. James P. Smith, 1999. "Healthy Bodies and Thick Wallets: The Dual Relation between Health and Economic Status," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 13(2), pages 145-166, Spring.
    8. Bruce Sacerdote, 2007. "How Large are the Effects from Changes in Family Environment? A Study of Korean American Adoptees," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 122(1), pages 119-157.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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