Understanding the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences on socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood: an analysis using the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Project Summary

This study draws on data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) to explore the long-term economic impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on older adults. While ACEs are widely recognized for their impact on health, their influence on economic opportunities and financial well-being across the life course remains underexplored. Research has shown that early adversity carries significant social and economic costs, but the pathways through which these experiences shape adult economic outcomes are still emerging. This study aims to uncover how ACEs contribute to economic disadvantage later in life, focusing on the mechanisms that link childhood adversity to lower income, reduced economic security and increased reliance on public support. The findings will offer new insights into the long shadow of early-life adversity, insights that can inform policy and point to interventions with the potential to break cycles of economic disadvantage.