Effects of Non-Contributory Pensions on Older Adult Mortality in Rural Mexico

Abstract

We study an unconditional cash transfer program aimed at alleviating rural poverty among older adults. Using death records and a triple difference design, we find a 5.5% reduction in mortality for women, mostly due to a decrease in non-cardiovascular related mortality, and inconclusive evidence for men. We explore mechanisms using income and expenditure surveys and a triple difference-in-discontinuities design. We find little evidence of significant changes in key hypothesized mechanisms, except for declines in employment and hours worked.