A Unified Model of Cohort Mortality for Economic Analysis

Author/Editor:

Flavien Moreau ; Adriana Lleras-Muney

Publication Date:

February 12, 2021

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary:

We propose a dynamic production function of population health and mortality from birth onwards. Our parsimonious model provides an excellent fit for the mortality and survival curves for both primate and human populations since 1816. The model sheds light on the dynamics behind many phenomena documented in the literature, including (i) the existence and evolution of mortality gradients across socio-economic statuses, (ii) non-monotonic dynamic effects of in-utero shocks, (iii) persistent or “scarring” effects of wars and (iv) mortality displacement after large temporary shocks such as extreme weather.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2021/037

Subject:

Frequency:

regular

English

Publication Date:

February 12, 2021

ISBN/ISSN:

9781513569499/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2021037

Pages:

67

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