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A cross-cohort comparison of the economic impact of divorce and widowhood on seniors

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  • Tahsin Mehdi

Abstract

The financial security of seniors has long been a concern for policy makers, especially with respect to seniors who have to deal with the financial aftermath of a divorce or separation (hereby “divorce”) or the death of a spouse later in life. Without sufficient economic resources to offset the loss of spousal income, divorce or widowhood can be devastating, especially at older ages when individuals are likely to be retired and relying to a greater extent on pension benefits and government transfers.

Suggested Citation

  • Tahsin Mehdi, 2023. "A cross-cohort comparison of the economic impact of divorce and widowhood on seniors," Economic and Social Reports 202300400003e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies and Modelling Branch.
    • Handle: RePEc:stc:stcp8e:202300400003e
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/36280001202300400003-eng
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fen Lin & Susan L Brown & Deborah S Carr, 2021. "The Economic Consequences of Gray Divorce for Women and Men [Marriage, marital history, and black-white wealth differentials among older women]," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 76(10), pages 2073-2085.
    2. Sébastien LaRochelle-Côté & John Myles & Garnett Picot, 2012. "Income Replacement Rates among Canadian Seniors: The Effect of Widowhood and Divorce," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 38(4), pages 471-495, December.
    3. Thomas Leopold, 2018. "Gender Differences in the Consequences of Divorce: A Study of Multiple Outcomes," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 55(3), pages 769-797, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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