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The impact of work on cognition and physical disability: Evidence from English women

Author

Listed:
  • James Banks

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University of Manchester)

  • Jonathan Cribb

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Institute for Fiscal Studies)

  • Carl Emmerson

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Institute for Fiscal Studies)

  • David Sturrock

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Institute for Fiscal Studies)

Abstract

Delaying retirement has significant positive effects on the average cognition and physical mobility of women in England, at least in the short run. Exploiting the increase in employment of 60-63 year old women resulting from the increase in the female State Pension Age, we show that working substantially boosts performance on two cognitive tests, particularly for singles. We also find large improvements in measures of physical disability as a result of working: substantial increases in walking speed, and lower reports of mobility problems. However, for women in sedentary occupations, work reduces walking speed, due to lower levels of exercise.

Suggested Citation

  • James Banks & Jonathan Cribb & Carl Emmerson & David Sturrock, 2019. "The impact of work on cognition and physical disability: Evidence from English women," IFS Working Papers W19/13, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:ifsewp:19/13
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    Cited by:

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    3. Carl Emmerson & Jonathan Cribb & Laurence O'Brien, 2022. "The effect of increasing the state pension age to 66 on labour market activity," IFS Working Papers W07/22, Institute for Fiscal Studies.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

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

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