Being unemployed as a young adult may lead to worse health later in life, study shows

How frequently people go without jobs – and the time in life these unemployment experiences happen – can have adverse effects on their physical and mental health over time. 

People who struggled to keep a steady job in their 20s and early 30s, but were consistently employed after turning 35 had more health problems by age 50 than those who had steady employment throughout their careers, according to a study conducted by researchers at Penn State University and the University of Missouri. People who were frequently unemployed through their late 40s fared even worse. 

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A lack of health insurance while without a job likely plays a large role in this, the researchers said. 

Nearly 75% of U.S. workers receive health insurance from their employers, said Penn State researcher Sarah Damaske, an associate professor of sociology, labor and employment relations. When people lose their jobs, they often lose insurance coverage for medical issues. The effects can be long-lasting. 

U.S. News & World Report examined the health effects of unemployment in July 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic had left about 17.5 million Americans unemployed. 

The U.S. unemployment rate hit a record 14.7% in April 2020. But it has since dropped to pre-pandemic levels. In Pennsylvania, nearly 298,000 people were unemployed in May – a 4.6% rate. In New Jersey, there were about 182,000 people unemployed – a 3.9% rate. 

Unemployment initially effects a person's mental health, but can impact physical health over time, Darby Fox, a therapist based in New York City, told the outlet.

"Worry over how to support yourself and your family coupled with a loss of identity that often goes with working can create stress," Fox said. That can lead to problems that effect a person's physical health. 

Anxiety and depression caused by unemployment can lead to headaches, back pain, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

"There's a risk that folks with less money in their budgets will cut corners and spend less time seeking medical care because of cost," Dr. K. Luan Phan, chair of Ohio State University's psychiatry and behavioral health department, told U.S. News.

People who have consistent employment benefit from the ability to make healthier eating choices. Fruits and vegetables and higher quality meals are not only healthier than fast food and processed products – they're often more expensive, too. With tighter money restrictions, eating the cheapest foods is more manageable, but it can be debilitating to the body over time. 

The Health Inequality Project found that more affluent Americans live 15 years longer than the poorest. 

Some of the link between unemployment and poor health later in life likely can be attributed to confounding variables, Damaske said. Targeting these areas – which may only be indirectly tied to employment – may weaken the relationship between employment status and long-term health.

"Some of the 'scarring' effects of unemployment may operate through employment-based resources and health behavior characteristics," Damaske said. "For example, lacking health insurance, smoking and a lack of physical activity were all associated with poorer physical and mental health at age 50. Interventions could aim to reduce these problems and hopefully result in better health, regardless of employment status." 

The study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. It included 6,434 participants, ages 27-49. They were polled every other year on the number of weeks they were employed and unemployed during the previous year. The participants also had to answer questions comparing their health at ages 40 and 50.

The study controlled for variables that potentially could skew the results, including household income, body mass index, sleep habits and behaviors like drinking and smoking. 

What government assistance is available to people looking for health insurance?

Pennsylvania residents who lose their jobs may qualify for Medicaid benefits. Single adults are eligible if their incomes do not exceed $1,414 per month. Families of four are eligible if their combined monthly incomes are less than $2,904. 

New Jersey residents may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through NJ FamilyCare. Single adults are eligible if their incomes doe not exceed $1,563 per month. Families of four are eligible if their combined monthly incomes are $3,192 or less. 

People who loses their job in either state also may be eligible for special enrollment periods on the states' public marketplaces. In New Jersey, individuals are eligible if they have an annual income of $25,760; for families of four, it is $53,000. In Pennsylvania, individuals are eligible if they have an annual income of $20,385; for a family of four, it is $41,625.