Chronic Diseases, Self-Rated Health, and Planned Retirement Age: The Moderating Role of Race and Ethnicity

This study examines the association between self-rated health (SRH) and chronic diseases on planned retirement age, and whether these relationships differ by race and ethnicity among adults 50 years and older in the US. Using the 2018 Health and Retirement Study (N = 3,161), linear regression models assessed associations and tested race as a moderator. The results showed that respondents with poorer SRH reported an earlier planned retirement age. Overall, chronic disease was not associated with planned retirement age for the sample. Rather, a higher number of chronic diseases was significantly associated with earlier planned retirement among Hispanic respondents and marginally associated among non-Hispanic Black respondents when compared to White respondents. Older adults who report being healthier plan to work longer than those reporting worse health. To support the aging workforce, chronic disease prevention efforts for Hispanic adults are crucial. Future research should examine how health impacts different industries’ workforce.