Does Caring for Others Impact the Lifespan of Senior Women?
In a recent analysis published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, caring for elderly family members may lower the risk of death among U.S. women aged 50-79 years, over an average follow-up period of 17.5 years.
Researchers at the Women's Health Initiative, a lengthy national health study, analyzed data from 158,987 women enrolled in the study. They found that 31.8% of the women died during the study period, and women who reported being caregivers over two assessments 10 years apart demonstrated a 9% reduced risk of death from any cause in comparison to non-caregivers. Caregiving was also associated with lower risks of death from cardiovascular disease or cancer.
The association did not change based on caregiving frequency or when the participants were grouped by age, race-ethnicity, depressive symptoms, optimism, or living status.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified caregiving as a significant public health issue in our aging U.S. population," said Michael LaMonte, PhD, corresponding author of the study, from the State University of New York at Buffalo. "As our population continues to age, the burden of caregiving demands will be substantial, and it's an increasingly important focus in epidemiologic research."
While this study specifically examines the health effects of caregiving among older U.S. women, research suggests that caregiving can have lasting implications for any caregiver, particularly women. Caregiving often leads to psychological stress, anxiety, and depression, negatively impacting mental well-being and potentially contributing to higher mortality if caregivers are not adequately supported. Maintaining high levels of social engagement and addressing mental health issues could help minimize these health risks for caregivers.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize caregiving as a significant health-and-wellness concern, particularly for women, due to its potential negative impact on mental well-being and associated risks to longevity.
- Encouraging social engagement, addressing mental health issues, and providing support can help mitigate the negative health effects of caregiving, which bears implications for women's health and aging populations.
