Friends Become Caregivers as Family Obligations Shift

Topic: Health

A study found that friends are increasingly becoming caregivers for older adults. They provide about 18 hours of help per month on average, often assisting with transportation and daily tasks.

Eldercare is changing in India and around the world. With fewer people getting married or having children, there's a growing need for non-family caregivers. Friends are stepping up to fill this gap, but their role is different from that of family members.

A study published in JAMA Network Open looked at how friends serve as caregivers. The researchers used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, which included over 2,600 older adults with health limitations (average age: 79). They found that about 14% of participants identified friends or neighbors as their caregivers.

This represents around 2.4 million caregiving friends in the country. Friends are more likely to provide transportation and help with daily tasks like shopping and preparing meals. However, they often don't live with the person they're helping and rarely serve as the sole caregiver.

The study also found that people who named friends as caregivers were younger and more likely to have college degrees than those who only had family members as caregivers.

Why It Matters

As India's population ages, there will be a growing need for non-family caregivers. Understanding the role of friends in caregiving can help policymakers and healthcare professionals develop new support systems.

Key Facts

• 14% of older adults identified friends or neighbors as their caregivers
• 2.4 million people are estimated to be caregiving friends nationally
• Friends provide about 18 hours of help per month on average
• People who named friends as caregivers were younger and more likely to have college degrees
• The study found that friends often assist with transportation, shopping, and daily tasks

Key Terms

Eldercare

Care for older adults, especially those with health limitations

Gerontologist

A specialist who studies aging and the needs of older adults

Implications

As India's population ages, there will be a growing need for non-family caregivers. Understanding the role of friends in caregiving can help policymakers and healthcare professionals develop new support systems.