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Subjective mortality expectations and consumption and saving behaviours among the elderly

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  • Martin Salm

Abstract

Life expectancy is an important factor that individuals have to take into account for saving and consumption choices. The life-cycle model of consumption and saving behaviour predicts that consumption growth should decrease with higher mortality rates. The aim of this study is to test this hypothesis based on data about subjective longevity expectations from the Health and Retirement Study merged with detailed consumption data from two waves of the Consumption and Activities Mail Survey. This study finds that an increase in subjective mortality by 1% corresponds to an annual decrease in consumption of non-durable goods of around 1.8%.

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  • Martin Salm, 2010. "Subjective mortality expectations and consumption and saving behaviours among the elderly," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 43(3), pages 1040-1057, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:cje:issued:v:43:y:2010:i:3:p:1040-1057
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-5982.2010.01605.x
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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