Wearing Out -- The Decline in Health

The acquisition of chronic diseases and lifestyle choices are key aspect i the decline in health. Case and Deaton (2005) examine the importance of manual work in altering both the level of and rate of decline in health status with age. Using data from Canada, our paper extends this analysis by investigating the interaction of manual work with chronic conditions and lifestyle on the aging process. To our surprise the independent importance of manual work remains even after one accounts for the large role of lifestyle and chronic diseases.