Do they feel theyll leave the world a better place for future generations?
For many, the answer is no.
More than half of Americans 50-plus (54%) believe they made political polarization worse for future generations.
Many also feel responsible for climate change, with 45% indicating they have made things worse.
And nearly half (48%) think they have made crime and violence worse.
A quarter (24%) also believe they have made economic opportunity worse.
While many topics evoked a bleak outlook, the survey also captured some areas of pride.
Nearly three in four (74%) believe their greatest contribution to society is the advancement of technology.
Even among the topics invoking the most pessimism, rays of hope persist.
While many believe their generation has faltered, they still expect improvements for future generations.
It included 1,011 interviews with a nationally representative sample of adults age 50 and older.
Most surveys were completed online, but 58 were completed via phone.
For more information, kindly contact Eric Young at NORC atyoung-eric@norc.org.
