Minimum Wage and Cognitive Function in Older Americans
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Boram, Petito Lucia, Kim Daniel
Primary Institution: Northeastern University
Hypothesis
The study aimed to examine the associations between the state-level minimum wage and cognitive function in older US adults.
Conclusion
Increasing the state minimum wage could benefit the cognitive health of older adults, especially among low-wage workers.
Supporting Evidence
- The study used data from the Health and Retirement Study covering 1998-2020.
- Cognitive function was measured using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Score (TICS).
- A $1 increase in the 6-year lagged state minimum wage was associated with a 0.40 point increase in cognitive function for low-wage workers.
- For part-time workers, a $1 increase in the minimum wage was associated with a 0.17 point increase in cognitive function.
- Stronger associations were observed in non-Hispanic Whites compared to Black and Hispanic Americans.
Takeaway
If the minimum wage goes up, older people who earn less might think better.
Methodology
Data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2020) was used, focusing on non-self-employed workers aged 50-75, with cognitive function measured using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Score (TICS).
Potential Biases
Potential biases related to self-reported data and demographic variations.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing cognitive function.
Participant Demographics
Non-self-employed workers aged 50-75, including low-wage workers and part-time workers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.001 for low-wage workers, p=.01 for part-time workers
Confidence Interval
95% CI=0.17 to 0.64 for low-wage workers, 95% CI=0.03 to 0.32 for part-time workers
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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