Military Service and (Dis)Continuity in the Life Course: Evidence on Disadvantage and Mortality from the Health and Retirement Study and the Study of Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old

TitleMilitary Service and (Dis)Continuity in the Life Course: Evidence on Disadvantage and Mortality from the Health and Retirement Study and the Study of Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsLondon, AS, Wilmoth, JM
JournalResearch on Aging
Volume28
Issue1
Pagination135
Call Numberpubs_2006_MilServ_RA.pdf
KeywordsDemographics, Event History/Life Cycle, Health Conditions and Status
Abstract

This study uses a life-course framework and data from the Health and Retirement Study and the Study of Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest-Old to examine three hypotheses related to (dis)continuity in the effects of early-life disadvantage (African American race and low paternal education) and military service on later-life mortality. Specifically, the authors consider whether military service (and age at enlistment) mediates or moderates the effects of early-life disadvantage on later-life mortality and whether mid- to late-life marital status, socioeconomic status, health status, and health behaviors mediate the effects of military service on mortality. The authors find very little evidence to support the notion that any mortality benefits accrue to men as a consequence of military service overall or enlistment at any particular age. Most of the evidence is consistent with life-course disruption and continuity of disadvantage interpretations.

Endnote Keywords

Life Events/mortality/socioeconomic status

Endnote ID

15990

Citation Key7081