Our research into intergenerational issues and later life looks at issues such as wealth, health, employment and social inclusion across age groups.
We want to understand more about how living standards are changing across generations, whether certain groups are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes and how inequalities can be mitigated through policy, practice, familial or community-based initiatives. This includes health issues becoming more prevalent in the face of long-term demographic trends.
We are particularly interested in exploring how quality of life can be maximised during later life and the final phase of life, considering decisions and experiences over the full life course as well as the implications for family and carers.
Our impact in intergenerational issues and later life
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The Intergenerational Audits of the UK, 2019-2021, informed and raised the profile of policy debates affecting intergenerational differences in living standards. They were influential in delaying the end of the Kickstart employment programme and the £20 uplift to Universal Credit, and sparked discussion among policymakers on how to equitably improve young people’s access to home ownership.
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Researchers at the IFS found that earnings are becoming less important as a determinant of lifetime living standards, while inheritances are increasingly important. This has significant implications for social mobility, and the research has informed the IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities study on social mobility.
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Professor Gabriella Conti’s project on the health effects of Sure Start showed that it reduced health inequalities for young children, including a significant reduction in hospitalisations and savings to the NHS. Her public health research will inform the Early Intervention Foundation’s work – commissioned by the DfE – with local authorities on designing effective early childhood services.
