Age - Life Chances

What is the point about wealth and age groups?

Wealth is heavily concentrated among older age groups, meaning they are more financially secure than younger people.

What evidence shows older people hold more wealth than younger people?

Student Loans Company (2025): graduates leave university with around £50,000 of student debt on average, starting adulthood at a financial disadvantage.

What do these patterns tell us about wealth distribution across age groups?

Wealth is unevenly distributed, with older people more likely to have savings, property and financial security, while younger people are more likely to have debt.

How does the unequal distribution of wealth affect life chances?

Younger people having fewer financial resources and more debt limits their ability to access housing, education and opportunities, while older people benefit from greater financial stability and security.

What is the point about young people and social mobility today?

Young people today are less likely to experience upward social mobility compared to older generations.

What evidence shows young people have reduced upward social mobility?

LSE (2018): rising house prices have created the 'boomerang generation'.

What do these patterns tell us about younger generations' economic position?

Younger generations face greater economic barriers than previous generations, making it harder for them to improve their financial position over time.

How does reduced social mobility affect life chances for young people?

Reduced social mobility limits young people's ability to achieve financial security, access housing and improve their quality of life compared to older generations.

What is the point about middle-aged adults and the 'sandwich generation'?

Middle-aged adults may experience greater disadvantage because they are part of the 'sandwich generation', caring for both children and ageing relatives at the same time.

What evidence shows middle-aged adults face greater caring responsibilities?

Grundy & Henretta (2006): grandparents providing childcare significantly increased mothers' employment rates.

What do these patterns tell us about the pressures on middle-aged adults?

Middle-aged adults are increasingly responsible for supporting both younger and older generations due to longer life expectancy and increased reliance on family care.

How do caring responsibilities for middle-aged adults affect life chances?

Caring responsibilities reduce time, income and opportunities, increasing stress and limiting quality of life compared to other age groups.