EMPIRICAL ESSAYS ON HEALTH ECONOMICS OF AGEING

This thesis is composed of three independent research essays that explore how different old-age related problems can be minimised by taking preventive measures throughout the life-cycle of individuals. The first essay explores if very short-term events of extreme air pollution can cause long-term health effects that can extend to older adulthood and if socioeconomic status (SES) can compensate for them. The second essay explores whether cognitive work activities involved in individuals’ most prolonged lifetime occupations could affect their likelihood of suffering dementia at an older age. Finally, the third essay explores the relationship between age-related cognitive deterioration with risky and non-risky financial investments.