An Ifop survey highlights the repercussions of “silver wounds” on their social life and their mental health.
- An Ifop survey reveals that 58% of French people surveyed who had suffered financial difficulties felt isolated, and that 44% felt social exclusion, with some (42%) even going so far as to “change their behavior towards others”.
- Three quarters of those who had cash flow problems suffered from intense stress, anxiety and nervousness (77%), or even sleep problems (73%), or even libido problems (32% ).
- This survey suggests that women are generally more affected than men by “silver sores”.
While inequalities and poverty are increasing in France, with some 9.1 million people living below the poverty line in 2021, according to INSEE, the health of the French suffers heavily. From the feeling of isolation to intense stress, including sleep and libido problems, a investigation* carried out by Ifop for the online broker Ymanci.fr reveals how “silver wounds” affect the vast majority of people who experience them.
58% of French people with money worries felt isolated
Financial setbacks are first and foremost a “social and emotional isolation factor”. Most French people surveyed who have suffered financial difficulties (85%) say they have experienced problems in their social life, including almost half (43%) last year. No less than 58% of them felt isolated, and 44% felt social exclusion, some (42%) even going as far as “change their behavior towards others”.
As a direct result of the lack of money, two in three people (67%) have given up on vacations with loved ones because of the costs, and one in two (53%) have avoided inviting friends to their home. The couple can also pay the price, with 22% of people having separated due to their financial situation.
Money problems affect women more
Precariousness also has serious repercussions on the mental health of the French. Three-quarters of those who had cash flow problems suffered from intense stress, anxiety and nervousness (77%), or even sleep problems (73%). No less than 58% of people have already cried because of these problems, 44% have experienced depressive episodes, and 23% have even had suicidal thoughts. One in three people (32%) also report libido problems. In total, 87% of respondents, due to their financial slump, have experienced one or more of these health problems.
This survey finally suggests that women are more affected than men by “silver wounds”. Not only do they encounter more of them (25% versus 21%, in the last 12 months), but more of them also complain of psychological disorders (46% versus 41), such as poor sleep (78% versus 68). Self-esteem also takes a hit when you cannot cope financially, and even more so for women, 47% of them having the impression of being “failures” (41% of men) . Same gender disparity for leisure activities: 81% of women have already given up going to a restaurant, a bar or an event because of the costs (compared to 69% of the opposite sex), and 71% from going on vacation (compared to 62% ).
*Survey carried out from October 20 to 31, 2023 by the IFOP for Ymanci.fr with a sample of 2,220 people (including 1,503 having experienced financial difficulties or over-indebtedness), representative of the French population aged 18 and over.
