Europeans Most Troubled by Health and Financial Problems

Health and finances are the issues that cause people the greatest concern, according to a study published today by the Munich-based insurance company Allianz, conducted in ten countries.

The public opinion research agency Ipsos, from April to June, asked 10,000 people in ten countries, on behalf of the Allianz group, what worries keep them awake at night.

The survey included Australia, Indonesia, and Brazil, and in Europe, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

For approximately half of respondents in France (49 percent), the United Kingdom (51 percent), Italy (52 percent), and Spain (53 percent), health—whether their own or that of someone close to them—is the issue that causes the greatest concern.

This was also the answer given by the vast majority of those surveyed in Brazil (58 percent).

In Turkey and Switzerland, the majority of respondents, 49 and 48 percent respectively, said they are most worried about financial uncertainty. Finances are also the main cause for concern for most Australians (52 percent) and in Indonesia (64 percent).

In all countries, when asked about their specific financial worries, respondents cited the rising cost of living, insufficient income, and unexpected expenses.

Only Germany somewhat deviates from this pattern, as exactly half of its citizens surveyed said they are troubled by extremely rapid political and social changes.

Germans specifically stated that they are most concerned about the transformation of society. In particular, they are troubled by social injustice, increasing polarization, fear of war, or the stability of democracies worldwide. In Germany, health (44 percent) and money (43 percent) are in second and third place, respectively.

When it comes to social changes, the so-called baby boomer generation—people born between 1945 and 1965—is especially concerned, with as many as 57 percent feeling uneasy. However, among those survey participants over 60 years old, health remains the top concern.

In all countries, among the top five problems causing anxiety are also the future, housing issues, work and career, the environment, and education. In Italy and Turkey, concern for the future ranks second, after health or finances, respectively.

In all ten countries, anxiety about the future is reflected in fear of global crises and their consequences, and in most countries, this fear has completely overshadowed concern for the environment and climate change.