Impact of Increased Pensions on Elderly Health in Costa Rica
Author Information
Author(s): Brenes-Camacho Gilbert
Primary Institution: Centro Centroamericano de Poblacion, Universidad de Costa Rica
Hypothesis
Does an increase in non-contribution pensions improve self-rated health among low-income elderly in Costa Rica?
Conclusion
Increases in income from non-contribution pensions are associated with better self-rated health among the elderly.
Supporting Evidence
- People who received a 200% increase in pensions reported better health.
- Self-rated health improved significantly among non-contribution pension earners interviewed after the pension increase.
- Statistical models controlled for various confounding factors.
Takeaway
When older people in Costa Rica received more money from pensions, they felt healthier. More money can make people feel better about their health.
Methodology
The study used random effects ordered probit regression models to analyze data from the Costa Rican Study on Longevity and Healthy Aging (CRELES).
Potential Biases
Potential confounding effects due to the timing of interviews and health changes over time.
Limitations
The study design is not a perfect natural experiment, and there may be unobserved factors affecting the results.
Participant Demographics
Elderly individuals born in 1945 or earlier, residing in Costa Rica, with a focus on low socio-economic status.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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