Military Service and Men's Health Outcomes in Midlife: Findings from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study

Andrew S. London, Syracuse University
Janet Wilmoth, Syracuse University

We use data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to examine the effects of military service on men's health and mortality outcomes in midlife. Specifically, we investigate a paradox our own research using the HRS has shown -- that older men who served in the military reported themselves to be in better health than those who had not served, but were also more likely to die over the subsequent period (London and Wilmoth 2006). Results from the current analysis indicate that men who served in the military reported themselves to be in better health in 1992, but were no more or less likely to die over the subsequent 11-year period. In broad terms, these results are similar to our other findings; men who served in the military report themselves to be in better health but do not experience a survivorship advantage over the subsequent period.