Aging & Social Change: Ninth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

As the United States experiences a rapidly growing older adult population, its economy will be affected both by predictable and unpredictable implications. Overall, it is likely that there will be a rise in healthcare expenditures, and a shrinking workforce as the age structure is centered around an older demographic. In order to combat the potential disturbances anticipated to arise within these fields due to population aging, it is important to evaluate policies and programs that can not only accommodate, but can capitalize on an older population. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is an example of one such policy that matches older adults in low socioeconomic groups with community service employment opportunities, successfully aiding in older adult job security and productivity. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the SCSEP is simultaneously leading to better health outcomes in older adult participants. By using a fixed effects regression model with panel data of SCSEP participants and yearly hospitalization of this population, this study evaluates the significance of a relationship between the SCSEP and the health outcomes of its participants. The results provide insight into this relationship and the importance of SCSEP or similar policy funding in years to come.