CHANGES IN MARITAL AND HEALTH STATUS AS RISK FACTORS FOR A SUBSEQUENT NEGATIVE WEALTH SHOCK IN THE US, 1996–2020
2024
Risk Factors for Negative Wealth Shocks in Older Adults
Sample size: 25265
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Cho Tsai-Chin, Adar Sara, Choi HwaJung, Langa Kenneth, Kobayashi Lindsay
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors for experiencing a negative wealth shock in mid-to-later life?
Conclusion
Changes in marital status and mental health may indicate future negative wealth shocks for retired adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Separation from or loss of a spouse/partner increased the odds of a negative wealth shock (AOR= 1.44).
- Retirees who became depressed had higher odds of a negative wealth shock (AOR= 1.23).
Takeaway
If older people lose their spouse or become very sad, they might lose a lot of money quickly.
Methodology
The study used multivariable logistic mixed effects models to analyze data from the US Health and Retirement Study.
Limitations
Further investigation is required to fully understand the implications of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Respondents aged 55 and older in the US.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.24, 1.67
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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