As the population ages, US health and social spending on pensions crowd spending in other areas, such as education, family programs, and housing.

Several studies have shown a relationship between social spending and health outcomes, but more is needed about differences in allocations of social expenditures that influence population health. As the population ages, US health and social spending on pensions crowd spending in other areas, such as education, family programs, and housing. Using comparative data from high-income countries from 1980-2020, we are examining the trends in social expenditures over time and their allocation to specific programs to better understand how the distribution of this expenditure influences population health.