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Effects of retirement on cognitive functioning: Evidence from biomedical and administrative insurance claims data

Author

Listed:
  • Bergschneider, Henrik
  • Kottmann, Robin
  • Schmitz, Hendrik
  • Westphal, Matthias

Abstract

We study the effects of retirement on cognitive functioning among women aged 63 to 67 by exploiting a German retirement reform that raised the early retirement age for women born after 1951 by three years, from 60 to 63. Our indicators of cognitive functioning are experimental measures (word recall, semantic fluency, and the Stroop test) from a large biomedical data set, as well as the diagnosis of cognitive disorders from administrative health insurance claims. We find reductions of around 12% of a standard deviation per year in retirement for measures of fluid intelligence and of an insignificant 6% for crystallized intelligence. The diagnosis of cognitive disorders remains unaffected.

Suggested Citation

  • Bergschneider, Henrik & Kottmann, Robin & Schmitz, Hendrik & Westphal, Matthias, 2024. "Effects of retirement on cognitive functioning: Evidence from biomedical and administrative insurance claims data," Ruhr Economic Papers 1131, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:311302
    DOI: 10.4419/96973313
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cognitive abilities; retirement; pension reform;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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