A study of survival rates after retirement was conducted for a large corporation in the petroleum industry. A regression analysis was performed to control for age, sex, job status, and type of work differences that may influence longevity. Examination of the residuals showed a bimodal distribution: one group died (on the average) six and a half years after retirement, while the second group survived (on the average) nineteen years. Implications for health care management are discussed.
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