THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON OLDER ADULTS IN THE U.S - Issue 2 - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

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Older adults were disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with prior research documenting consequences for health, loneliness, and long-term well-being. This work addresses a literature gap on how government economic impact payments (EIP) and labor force participation shaped pandemic-era economic outcomes for older adults. Using the Health and Retirement Study 2020 Core Survey and 2021 “Perspectives on the Pandemic” supplement (n=2167), results describe demographic patterns and show most recipients used EIP to repay existing debt or contribute to savings. Overall employment participation remained low with limited changes during the pandemic, while women received about 31% less than men, suggesting gender-linked labor and caregiving factors.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study purpose and literature gap

Data sources and sample characteristics

Key findings on EIP use and labor outcomes

Gender differences and interpretation

FAQs

What gap does the project address about older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic?

It targets the role of government economic impact payments (EIP) and how they relate to labor force participation for older adults during the pandemic.

Which data sources are used to produce the results?

The study uses the Health and Retirement Study’s 2020 Core Survey and the 2021 “Perspectives on the Pandemic” supplement.

How did most respondents use the economic impact payments (EIP)?

Most reported receiving an EIP and primarily using it to pay off existing debt, followed closely by contributing to savings.

What does the research find about gender differences in EIP receipt?

Women received about 31% less than men overall, and the differences may relate to labor division, labor force participation patterns, and caregiving responsibilities across the life course.

Sep 29, 2026

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