Does age affect the relation between risk and time preferences? Evidence from a representative sample

C-Tier
Journal: Southern Economic Journal
Year: 2023
Volume: 90
Issue: 2
Pages: 341-368

Authors (3)

Zexuan Wang (not in RePEc) Ismaël Rafaï (not in RePEc) Marc Willinger (Université de Montpellier)

Score contribution per author:

0.335 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 0.5x C-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We examine the links between age, risk tolerance, and impatience in a large French representative sample. We combine elicited preferences data based on an incentivized web experiment and stated preferences data based on self‐reported surveys. Our findings highlight distinct patterns: when considering stated preferences, both risk tolerance and impatience exhibit a decline with age. Higher risk tolerance is associated with higher impatience, and this relationship strengthens with age in the financial domain. In contrast, our analysis of elicited measures uncovers a different dynamic. Specifically, risk tolerance tends to increase with age, while age exhibits no significant influence on impatience. Furthermore, individuals endowed with higher risk tolerance tend to demonstrate lower levels of impatience, irrespective of their age.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:soecon:v:90:y:2023:i:2:p:341-368
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29