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Applying but Not Receiving: Longer Working Lives and Institutionalized Health Investment

Author

Listed:
  • Johannes Geyer
  • Peter Haan
  • Mia Teschner-Hofmann
  • Felix Weinhardt

Abstract

Rising life expectancy and demographic change have increased the share of older workers, making their health and productivity central to aging societies. We study whether longer working lives translate into investments in work-related health before retirement. Exploiting a pension reform in Germany in a Regression Discontinuity Design, we show that women facing longer careers are more likely to apply for work-related rehabilitation, particularly those in poorer health or with weaker labor market attachment. Despite higher application and approval rates, this demand does not translate into higher rehabilitation completion. Together with intermediate outcomes, our findings are most consistent with capacity constraints in program delivery.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes Geyer & Peter Haan & Mia Teschner-Hofmann & Felix Weinhardt, 2026. "Applying but Not Receiving: Longer Working Lives and Institutionalized Health Investment," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 2179, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwwpp:dp2179
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies

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