Beyond High-Income Countries: Low Numeracy Is Associated with Older Adult Age around the World

Wändi Bruine de Bruin, Aulona Ulqinaku, Jimena Llopis and Matteo Ravà
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Wändi Bruine de Bruin: Department of Earth Sciences [USC Los Angeles] - USC - University of Southern California
Aulona Ulqinaku: University of Leeds
Jimena Llopis: CUBIC - Center for Utilizing Behavioural Insights for Children
Matteo Ravà: AMSE - Aix-Marseille Sciences Economiques - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - ECM - École Centrale de Marseille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

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Abstract: Numeracy, or the ability to understand and use numbers, has been associated with obtaining better health and financial outcomes. Studies in high-income countries suggest that low numeracy is associated with older age—perhaps especially among individuals with lower education. Here, we examined whether findings generalize to the rest of the world. Methods Gallup surveyed >150,000 participants for the 2019 Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll, from 21 low-income, 34 lower-middle income, 42 upper-middle income, and 43 high-income countries. Low numeracy was operationalized as failing to correctly answer, "Is 10% bigger than 1 out of 10, smaller than 1 out of 10, or the same as 1 out of 10?" Results Regressions controlling for participants' education, income, and other characteristics found that, worldwide, low numeracy was associated with older age, lower education, and their interaction. Findings held in each country-income category, although low numeracy was more common in low-income countries than in high-income countries. Limitations Age differences may reflect cohort effects and life span–developmental changes. Discussion Low numeracy is more common among people who are older and less educated. We discuss the need for education and interventions outside of the classroom. Highlights We analyzed a global survey conducted in 21 low-income, 34 lower-middle income, 42 upper-middle income, and 43 high-income countries. Low numeracy was associated with older adult age, even after accounting for age differences in education. Low numeracy was more common in older people with lower education.

Keywords: number ability; cognitive ability; age-related decline (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-age, nep-ger and nep-hea
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Published in MDM Policy & Practice, 2023, 8 (1), pp.23814683231174241. ⟨10.1177/23814683231174241⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04185867

DOI: 10.1177/23814683231174241

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