Aging and Retirement

Asian grandmother and granddaughter

Rising incomes and medical advances are allowing people throughout the world to live well beyond traditional retirement ages. At the same time, declining birthrates mean that fewer prime-age workers are available to support retirees. The aging of the world's population has profound implications for all aspects of civil society. RAND Labor and Population research and analysis provides the facts necessary to guide the development of informed policy throughout this long-term transition.

RAND Labor and Population is home to some of the world's most distinguished experts on the demography and economics of aging. Their pioneering research — on such topics as the determinants of retirement and disability, consumption and savings behavior, and the role of family and social support systems — is helping decisionmakers to evaluate the effects of alternative policies.

What Economic and Health Effects Has the Financial Crisis Had on Older Households?

What effect has the financial crisis had on households and health? RAND researchers seek to quantify the effects of the crisis on older U.S. households, and the adjustments made in response. With this information, they aim to determine whether downturns in economic status are associated with declines in health.

International Comparisons of Well-Being, Health and Retirement

By using newly available data from more than 15 countries, researchers are analyzing how the interaction between individual behavior, social context, institutions, and policies shapes health and well-being in old age.

RAND HRS Makes Longitudinal Household Survey Data Accessible to Researchers

The Health and Retirement Study is a longitudinal survey of the elderly dating back to 1992. With the support of the National Institute on Aging and Social Security Administration, RAND has made five data sets available for researchers.

American Life Panel Uses Internet for a Variety of Surveys

RAND's American Life Panel surveys people age 18 and over on the Internet, which allows for greater flexibility in survey design and instantly accessible data. Current studies analyze opinions on the U.S. elections, Medicare Plan D, health shocks, and financial decisionmaking.

The Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States — April 24, 2013

Testimony presented before the Senate Special Committee on Aging on April 24, 2013.

Estimating Intensive and Extensive Tax Responsiveness: Do Older Workers Respond to Income Taxes? — April 10, 2013

Studies the impact of income and payroll taxes on intensive and extensive labor supply decisions for workers ages 55-74 using the Health and Retirement Study.

Monetary Costs of Dementia in the United States — April 1, 2013

Dementia represents a substantial financial burden on society, one that is similar to the financial burden of heart disease and cancer.

How Well Do Americans Anticipate Their Health Care Expenses in Retirement? — December 11, 2012

Many retirees face out-of-pocket expenses for premiums, cost-sharing obligations, and items or services not covered by Medicare or supplemental health coverage. This study suggests that many retirees and near-retirees do not understand the magnitude and variability of their future out-of-pocket health care costs and may be unprepared to finance higher-than-typical expenditures.

Retiree Out-of-Pocket Health Care Spending: A Study of Expert Views, Consumer Expectations, and Policy Implications — December 11, 2012

Suggests that many retirees and near-retirees do not understand the magnitude and variability of their future out-of-pocket health care costs and may be unprepared to finance higher-than-typical expenditures.

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