Adult caregivers in the United States: characteristics and differences in well-being, by caregiver age and caregiving status.
We examined the characteristics of adults providing regular care or assistance to friends or family members who have health problems, long-term illnesses, or disabilities (ie, caregivers). We used data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to examine caregiver characteristics, by age and caregiving status, and compare these characteristics with those of noncaregivers. Approximately 24.7% (95% confidence interval, 24.4%-25.0%) of respondents were caregivers. Compared with younger caregivers, older caregivers reported more fair or poor health and physical distress but more satisfaction with life and lower mental distress. Understanding the characteristics of caregivers can help enhance strategies that support their role in providing long-term care.
Healthy Aging Program, Division of Population Health, Mailstop F78, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. laa0@cdc.gov
Lynda A
LA
Anderson
Valerie J
VJ
Edwards
William S
WS
Pearson
Ronda C
RC
Talley
Lisa C
LC
McGuire
Elena M
EM
Andresen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult