Lithuanians most fear becoming seriously ill or homeless, survey finds
A new survey commissioned by Caritas Lithuania reveals that residents most fear ending up as seriously ill patients or homeless, while showing the least willingness to help irregular migrants crossing the border, LRT reports.
The Baltic Research Council poll found that 52% of respondents dread becoming homeless, while 48% fear severe illness. Over 40% worry about encountering disability, and one-third fear becoming war refugees. Dependency on alcohol, drugs, or gambling concerns 25%, while 13% cite migration-related risks as their top fear. Loneliness worries 10%, and 9% fear old age most.
When asked whom they would support, respondents prioritised vulnerable groups: 76% would help seriously ill patients, 70% would assist homeless individuals, and 67% would aid war refugees. Only 7% expressed willingness to help those struggling with addiction, and just 2% would support irregular migrants.
Vida Neverovič-Morkūnienė, head of Caritas Lithuania’s mother-and-child shelter in Vilnius—currently housing 10 women and 15 children—noted that public perception often overlooks the complexities of addiction. “People want to help ‘positive’ individuals, not those battling substance use,” she said, recalling calls from donors specifying they would only assist “sober mothers.”
Sociologist Boguslavas Gruževskis called the findings surprising, particularly the low concern over loneliness despite its growing prevalence post-pandemic. He also highlighted that higher income and status correlate with greater fear of vulnerability, suggesting progressive taxation could address security gaps.
Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius emphasised the positive: 17% of respondents believe aid should extend to all in need, regardless of circumstance. Yet in practice, only about 20% reported ever donating to refugees or the seriously ill.
Milita Žičkutė-Lindžienė, Caritas Lithuania’s secretary-general, acknowledged persistent stereotypes about migrants but urged compassion: “People migrate seeking better lives, fighting for their families.”