Discount rate heterogeneity among older households: a puzzle?

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Population Economics
Year: 2017
Volume: 30
Issue: 2
Pages: 647-680

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Abstract We put forward a method for estimating discount rates using wealth and income data. We build consumption from these data using the budget constraint. Consumption transitions yield discount rates by household groups. Applying this technique to a sample of older households, we find a similar distribution to those previously estimated using field data, though with a much lower mean than those found using experiments. Surprisingly, among this older population, patience is negatively correlated with education and numeracy. This goes against the positive correlation found for younger populations in experiments and some field studies. We discuss potential explanations for this result.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:spr:jopoec:v:30:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s00148-016-0623-y
Journal Field
Growth
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24