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The Racial Morbidity Gap: Implications for Raising the Retirement Age

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Abstract

Proposals to reduce Social Security benefits collected before age 70 argue that Americans on average are living longer and should therefore work longer. But averages across racial groups hide crucial differences in quality of life, ability to work and longevity. While increasing the normal retirement age will make it more difficult for all Americans to experience a healthy and active retirement, Blacks will be disproportionately affected. For example, Blacks are more likely to develop adverse health conditions that limit their ability to work and to report declining health. The average black American will experience physical limitations before the normal retirement age of 67.

Suggested Citation

  • Teresa Ghilarducci & Kyle Moore, 2015. "The Racial Morbidity Gap: Implications for Raising the Retirement Age," SCEPA policy note series. 2015-02, Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis (SCEPA), The New School.
    • Handle: RePEc:epa:cepapn:2015-02
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    1. Steven A. Haas & Patrick M. Krueger & Leah Rohlfsen, 2012. "Race/Ethnic and Nativity Disparities in Later Life Physical Performance: The Role of Health and Socioeconomic Status Over the Life Course," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 67(2), pages 238-248.
    2. Eileen M. Crimmins & Hiram Beltrán-Sánchez, 2010. "Mortality and Morbidity Trends: Is There Compression of Morbidity?," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 66(1), pages 75-86.
    3. Teresa Ghilarducci & Kyle Moore, 2014. "The Racial Longevity Gap Past Age 65: Implications For Raising the Retirement Age," SCEPA policy note series. 2014-01, Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis (SCEPA), The New School.
    4. Barry P. Bosworth & Kathleen Burke, 2014. "Differential Mortality and Retirement Benefits in the Health and Retirement Study," Working Papers, Center for Retirement Research at Boston College wp2014-4, Center for Retirement Research.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Retirement; 401(k); Pensions; Race; Morbidity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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