Examining the Links Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Wealth Among Older Adults: Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shape physical and mental health into adulthood, yet less research has linked adversity to economic well-being, particularly wealth. Those with greater wealth experience fewer chronic diseases, lower mortality rates, and overall experience better quality of life outcomes. This study examines the relationship between ACEs and total net worth, assets, and debts in a large sample (N=6,624) of older adults (50+) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Our multivariate regression models show a significant negative relationship between cumulative ACEs and total net worth. ACEs are also significantly negatively associated with assets and positively associated with debts. Recall bias, cumulative ACE measurement, and the UK social safety net may limit generalizability. However, our findings highlight the broader consequences of childhood adversity, demonstrating that its effects extend beyond health to socioeconomic well-being, reinforcing the need for policies that mitigate long-term economic disparities rooted in early-life adversity.