Recognizing Student Caregivers: Applying the Age Inclusivity Domains in Higher Education Model

AI Summary

Five million post-secondary students are unpaid caregivers, affecting academic success, mental health, and retention.
Lack of support and caregiving-related financial strain placed student caregivers at risk for low quality of life.
Using mixed methods and the age-inclusivity framework, universities can assess needs and empower caregivers across ages to balance responsibilities and growth.

Int J Aging Hum Dev. 2026 May 30:914150261455260. doi: 10.1177/00914150261455260. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Currently, five million students attending post-secondary education are also caregivers, with impacts on academic success, mental health, and retention. Rooted in the age-inclusivity in higher education model, this paper illustrates how mixed-methods data from a campus-wide study can be used to assess the prevalence and impact of unpaid caregiving on students. Respondents (n = 241) who identified as a caregiver described their caregiving circumstances and completed measures related to the impact of caregiving on personal care, academic aspects, and quality of life. Lack of support (47.0%) and financial matters surrounding caregiving (26.2%) placed student caregivers at risk for low quality of life. Qualitative data from focus groups (n = 16) showed that student caregivers encompassed a range of challenges, emotions, and coping strategies. Guided by the age-inclusive domains framework, universities can empower student caregivers to balance family responsibilities with career and personal growth regardless of age.

PMID:42216619 | DOI:10.1177/00914150261455260

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