Do Older Americans Trust More? A Quantitative Analysis of Generalized Trust by Age

This study examines the association between age and generalized trust in the United States using data from the 2011 wave of the World Values Survey (N = 2,232). Employing a series of probit regression models with extensive socio-demographic controls, we identify a significant U-shaped relationship between age and generalized trust: trust levels decline during early adulthood and increase in later life, peaking among the elderly. The findings remain robust after adjusting for gender, income, education, ethnicity, language, and religious affiliation. Notably, older adults demonstrate markedly higher levels of generalized trust, while younger adults exhibit greater skepticism. These results underscore the role of age-related social experience and institutional exposure in shaping trust. The study also highlights lower trust levels among minority groups and immigrants, and a positive association between trust and socioeconomic status. The implications suggest the need for differentiated policy strategies to protect vulnerable seniors from exploitation and to rebuild trust among younger cohorts disillusioned by systemic failures.