Education and income reduce the fear of old age

The fear of old age in modern society is a massive phenomenon. In China, where more than 15% of the population is over 65, anxiety about aging is reinforced by demographic shifts and persistent stereotypes about old age. Such attitudes often lead to depression, loneliness, and even have a negative impact on social development.

We analyzed data from a large-scale study by the Chinese General Social Survey (2021) and found out which socio-economic factors most strongly influence the level of the so-called “aging anxiety”. It turned out that increasing the level of education and income significantly reduces the anxiety associated with old age. More educated and affluent people are less likely to fear loss of control over their lives or financial independence.

Interestingly, social support in the family does not always play a protective role. Sometimes it even increases anxiety — for example, when caring turns into a heavy duty for loved ones. But participation in social insurance programs and a high level of trust in society consistently reduced anxiety levels.

The analysis also showed geographical differences. In more urbanized regions, education protects more strongly against the fear of old age, and in rural areas, access to social insurance has the greatest effect.

The authors of the study emphasize that in order to alleviate the anxiety associated with aging, it is necessary not only to develop a system of long-term care, but also to combat discrimination against the elderly, as well as to evenly distribute social benefits between the city and the countryside.