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Age differences in trust: an investigation across 38 countries
1Department of Psychological Studies, The Hong Kong Institute of Education.
Summary
Older adults globally show increased trust in others, fostering social connections. This research highlights trust as key to well-being in aging populations worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Social Gerontology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Sociology of Aging
Background:
- Population aging presents a significant global challenge in the 21st century.
- Social relationships are crucial for older adults' well-being.
- Trust is fundamental for constructive social interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age differences in generalized trust and specific interpersonal trust (family, friends, neighbors, strangers) across a global sample.
- To investigate the relationship between age and various forms of trust worldwide.
- To understand the role of trust in social connectedness among older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the World Value Survey, encompassing 57,497 individuals from 38 countries.
- Conducted analyses to assess age-related variations in generalized trust and trust towards specific social groups.
- Examined the moderating influence of contextual factors on age differences in trust.
Main Results:
- A positive association was found between age and generalized trust, as well as trust towards family, friends, neighbors, and strangers across all 38 countries.
- Contextual factors, including income inequality, developing status, and individualism, moderated age differences in trust towards friends, neighbors, and strangers.
- Older adults consistently exhibited higher levels of trust across various social targets.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that increased trust in others may serve as a mechanism for older adults to maintain emotional connectedness.
- Enhancing trust could be a strategy to support the social well-being of aging populations globally.
- Further research is recommended to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving age differences in trust.
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