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UBS Worry Barometer 2025
Concerns differ by age: younger people focus on the environment and climate, older people on pensions and immigration. Healthcare costs, however, remain the biggest worry for everyone, regardless of life stage.
The UBS Worry Barometer 2025 shows that the issues that concern the Swiss electorate vary greatly from generation to generation.
The UBS Worry Barometer has been measuring the topics that are top of mind in Switzerland for decades. Once again, there is a clear picture in 2025: the topics differ depending on the generation – but everyone shares one major preoccupation. Rising healthcare costs are the main concern for young and old alike . Elsewhere, the differences in the priorities of each generation in Switzerland become apparent. A lot differs from generation to generation – with one exception: healthcare costs are at the top of everyone’s list of concerns. Elsewhere, the differences are clearly visible.
Younger people (18 to 39-year-olds) are particularly concerned about environmental and climate issues, as well as retirement planning and housing costs. In the middle generation (40 to 64-year-olds), the focus is on migration policy – especially immigration and refugees – while retirement planning also remains a crucial issue. Among the over-65s, the relationship with Europe is the main cause for concern; immigration and retirement planning are also still among the most important preoccupations.
in % of voters, share of mentions
The bar chart compares the most important concerns in Switzerland by age group. For each concern, the frequencies of the age groups 18–39 years, 40–64 years and 65 years and older are represented as separate bars. The bars for “health issues / health insurance / premiums” are the highest in all age groups. Differences between age groups are apparent in several areas.
From financial security and the pension system to the environment and migration: the UBS Worry Barometer 2025 addresses these issues and reveals what is currently relevant to different generations. Listening to people’s concerns, understanding them and above all taking them seriously is the only way to recognize potential for change. The UBS Worry Barometer provides the ideal basis for drawing the right conclusions from the real concerns of all Swiss people – and for developing socially relevant solutions. Solutions and answers to questions that concern the Swiss population can also be found in UBS Year Ahead 2026. The study by the Chief Investment Office at UBS Global Wealth Management outlines scenarios and economic opportunities for the coming year and beyond.
The emphasis is on the picture of an evolving global economy – with opportunities arising from AI innovations and growth potential on the markets supported by monetary and fiscal policy. The focus on 2026 will help investors to interpret the various signals, seize opportunities and build resilient portfolios for long-term success – despite global uncertainties.
Establishing dialog between generations is becoming more and more importantin the light of demographic change, as the growing number of older people can potentially have a greater influence on the younger minority. At the same time, it opens up valuable learning opportunities: younger generations can benefit from the experience of older generations, while older generations can adopt new perspectives and approaches from younger generations.
To make this possible, it is necessary to hold open discussions, exchange perspectives and show willingness to learn from one another. The resulting effects are extremely valuable for society. Technological expertise can be promoted across generations, for example. This also allows different value systems to be brought together without conflict.
The UBS Worry Barometer draws attention to different needs and situations in life by associating different perspectives. For example, couples in registered partnerships generally have different needs than families with young children. There are also differences in terms of retirement planning: people at the start of their careers do not have the same priorities as people approaching retirement. Requirements regarding real estate financing, as another example, are different in the third stage of life than for the younger generation.
Social trends and priorities
More and more people in Switzerland are looking for financial stability and long-term security. This growing awareness shows that people think ahead and recognize that smart planning creates security. UBS supports them on this path with strategiesthat help to ensure financial independence and harness opportunities in an ever-changing environment.
While global uncertainties and power shifts are increasing, many people are looking for local guidance – from partners who embody reliability, stability and professionalism. UBS sees this development as a positive trend that illustrates how values such as security, transparency and a sense of responsibility are regaining significance – and could become the basis for innovation and progress. Technological developments are also opening up new perspectives. The rapid spread of generative artificial intelligence (AI)is changing working environments, markets and habits.