Factors associated with subjective well-being among caregivers of older adults: a systematic review

Aging Ment Health. 2026 Jun 6:1-17. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2678991. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To identify the factors associated with subjective well-being among caregivers of older adults.

METHOD: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA checklist guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD: 420251237596). Thirty-eight studies met the eligibility criteria. Most studies (n = 37) were conducted with unpaid caregivers.

RESULTS: Health-related factors were the most frequently examined (82%), followed by social factors (55%), caregiving context variables (50%), and economic factors (24%). Health-related factors (i.e. lower psychological concerns and better caregiver general health status), social factors (i.e. greater social support), economic factors (i.e. higher income), and caregiving context factors (i.e. familial relationship with the care recipient and fewer hours dedicated to caregiving) were associated with higher subjective well-being among caregivers of older adults. Sociodemographic factors were examined in 26% of studies and showed less consistent associations. Nevertheless, higher subjective well-being was positively associated with male sex and higher educational levels. Most studies (i.e. 63%) demonstrated high methodological quality.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence derived predominantly from unpaid caregivers suggests that subjective well-being is positively associated with social, economic, health-related, and caregiving context factors. Understanding these associations underscores the need for interventions, as subjective well-being may mitigate the negative impacts of caregiving while enhancing its positive aspects.

PMID:42249900 | DOI:10.1080/13607863.2026.2678991