Differential mortality of older adults in Argentina, 2015-2016. The role of pension income

Abstract

This paper analyzes the social inequalities in health and differential mortality at individual level, taking into account pension income, region of residence, gender and age of adults older than age 65 years. In order to do so, ANSES (National Administration of Social Security) benefit payment records were analyzed. Those records also registered the date of death of the pensioners. A maximum likelihood logistic regression model was applied, taking into account the aforementioned variables. In simulations for different pension income scenarios, “doubling the income” meant a gain of 0.8 years in life expectancy at age 65. Even by controlling with another factor, such as region of residence, the risks virtually remain unchanged. These results show that, even in old age, people with higher pension incomes tend to live longer compared to those who earn less.