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Extreme Temperatures, Health and Retirement

Author

Listed:
  • Albanese, Andrea

    (LISER)

  • Deschenes, Olivier

    (University of California, Santa Barbara)

  • Gathmann, Christina

    (LISER)

  • Nieto Castro, Adrian

    (Lund University)

Abstract

This paper provides novel evidence of the impact of temperature fluctuations on retirement behavior and underlying mechanisms, combining 30 years of rich longitudinal survey data with granular daily weather information. Exposure to cold and hot temperatures accelerates transitions into retirement, particularly among individuals unaccustomed to such conditions, and the effects are strongest among vulnerable populations facing greater health challenges and limited access to healthcare. Extreme temperatures deteriorate health through a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases and strokes, reducing individuals' ability to work, while better access to healthcare mitigates the adverse effects of extreme temperatures on retirement behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Albanese, Andrea & Deschenes, Olivier & Gathmann, Christina & Nieto Castro, Adrian, 2025. "Extreme Temperatures, Health and Retirement," IZA Discussion Papers 18161, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18161
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Joshua S. Graff Zivin & Anthony Lepinteur & Matthew J. Neidell & Adrian Nieto Castro, 2025. "A Cold Stop: Temperature, Unemployment and Joblessness Dynamics," NBER Working Papers 34487, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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