
Becoming Oldest and Old: Evidence from Historical U.S. Data
The objective of this project is to investigate how the relationship between chronic disease and mortality, disability, and labor force participation has changed over time. The analysis will use data on both historical and recent populations. The goal is to identify the sources of health improvements and to quantify the economic gain to increased longevity and health. The findings will be used to help predict future health and mortality trends; establish future pension and health care costs; and assess the economic gains to investments in biotechnology and innovations in medical care.