Abstract
BackgroundHealth status is a principal determinant of labour market participation. In this study, we examined whether excess weight is associated with withdrawal from the labour market owing to premature retirement.MethodsThe analyses were based on nationally representative data from Finland over the period 2001–15 (N ∼ 2500). The longitudinal data included objective measures of body weight (i.e. body mass index and waist circumference) linked to register-based information on actual retirement age. The association between the body weight measures and premature retirement was modelled using cubic b-splines via logistic regression. The models accounted for other possible risk factors and potential confounders, such as smoking and education.ResultsExcess weight was associated with an increased risk of premature retirement for both men and women. A closer examination revealed that the probability of retirement varied across the weight distribution and the results differed between sexes and weight measures.ConclusionBody weight outside a recommended range elevates the risk of premature retirement.
Highlights
Populations in industrialized countries are aging rapidly.[1]
As the second robustness test, we investigated whether the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and premature retirement varied with age by fitting a model in which the spline was replaced with a categorical covariate for BMI [underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal weight (18.5 BMI < 25), overweight (25 BMI < 30) and obese (BMI 30), based on World Health Organization (WHO) classification7] and the linear and quadratic terms for age were replaced by a binary indicator equalling one for those above the median age (39 years of age)
The results showed that daily smoking and a higher number of hospital visits were associated with a higher likelihood of premature retirement
Summary
Populations in industrialized countries are aging rapidly.[1]. This structural change increases the dependency ratio and puts significant pressure on public finances. As a policy proposal to mitigate financial sustainability concerns, countries have striven to find ways to extend people’s working lives. To accomplish this goal, many countries have increased the minimum retirement age. At the same time, premature retirement (i.e. retirement before the expected age) is widespread This reduces the effective retirement age and dilutes efforts to increase labour supply in older age groups.[2]. We examined whether excess weight is associated with withdrawal from the labour market owing to premature retirement. The association between the body weight measures and premature retirement was modelled using cubic b-splines via logistic regression. Results: Excess weight was associated with an increased risk of premature retirement for both men and women. Conclusion: Body weight outside a recommended range elevates the risk of premature retirement
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