- Female family caregivers had 65% higher odds of depression than males, a pattern consistent across all life-course stages.
- Older caregivers providing care for two or more years experienced substantially worse physical health, aligning with wear-and-tear and cumulative disadvantage frameworks.
- Midlife sandwich-generation caregivers showed worse physical health as caregiving intensity increased, indicating acute burden during midlife.
J Aging Health. 2026 Jun 28:8982643261465753. doi: 10.1177/08982643261465753. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
ObjectivesThis study examined how caregiving intensity, duration, and labor type are associated with physical and mental health among family caregivers (FCGs) across life-course stages.MethodsUsing 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.ResultsWomen 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.ConclusionFindings 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.
PMID:42366425 | DOI:10.1177/08982643261465753
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