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Does Childbearing Affect Cognitive Health in Later Life? Evidence From an Instrumental Variable Approach

Bonsang, Éric; Skirbekk, Vegard (2022), Does Childbearing Affect Cognitive Health in Later Life? Evidence From an Instrumental Variable Approach, Demography, 59, 3, p. 975–994. https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-9930490

Type
Article accepté pour publication ou publié
Date
2022-06
Journal name
Demography
Volume
59
Number
3
Publisher
Springer
Pages
975–994
Publication identifier
https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-9930490
Metadata
Show full item record
Author(s)
Bonsang, Éric
Laboratoire d'Economie et de Gestion des Organisations de Santé [Legos]
Laboratoire d'Economie de Dauphine [LEDa]
Skirbekk, Vegard
Abstract (EN)
Cognitive decline is a widespread concern as populations grow older. However, population aging is partly driven by a decrease in fertility, and family size may influence cognitive functioning in later life. Prior studies have shown that fertility history is associated with late-life cognition, but whether the relationship is causal remains unclear. We use an instrumental variable approach and data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe to examine whether having three or more versus two children affects late-life cognition. Parents often prefer to have at least one son and one daughter. We thus exploit the sex composition of the first two children as a source of exogenous variation in the probability of having three or more children. Results indicate that having three or more versus two children has a negative effect on late-life cognition. This effect is strongest in Northern Europe, perhaps because higher fertility decreases financial resources yet does not improve social resources in this region. Future studies should address the potential effects of childlessness or having one child on late-life cognition and explore the mediating mechanisms.
Subjects / Keywords
Cognitive functioning; Fertility; Aging; Instrumental variables
JEL
I12 - Health Behavior
J13 - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
J14 - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination

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