The HEC research group investigates the costs and benefits of improvements and declines in functioning in the population. We focus on individuals facing long-term health conditions (chronic illnesses) within an aging population. Our work studies effects in the labor market, the health system organization, and the response of social systems.
The objective of this project is to examine disability as a dynamic, socially embedded process across the life course. Disability is a growing public health challenge in Switzerland, where nearly half of the population lives with a chronic condition and about one in five experiences some level of disability, often affecting work, social participation, and income stability. Existing research has largely focused on older adults, overlooking the broader population with functional limitations. This project addresses this gap by linking data on health, participation, and socioeconomic conditions to study how disability develops, its impacts on employment and financial vulnerability, and how it can be more accurately measured. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
