Caregiving Across the Life Course: Intensity,Duration,and Health Among Family Caregivers in the United States

Abstract

Objectives

This study examined how caregiving intensity, duration, and labor type are associated with physical and mental health among family caregivers (FCGs) across life-course stages.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from 2,610 FCGs in the 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we applied multivariable logistic and linear regression models stratified by life-course stage.

Results

Women had 65% higher odds of depression than men (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.22–2.22), consistent across all age groups. Older FCGs who provided care for two or more years showed markedly worse physical health, a pattern consistent with wear-and-tear and cumulative disadvantage frameworks. Midlife FCGs presented a sandwich-generation profile of worse physical health with increased caregiving intensity.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the need for age-tailored caregiver support and structural reforms, including expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act, wage replacement programs, and a caregiving-linked Medicare benefit.

Keywords

families caregiving life course

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