More than a quarter of Americans over 50 are now caregivers

[New Sancai Compilation First Release] A new U.S. poll finds that more than a quarter of Americans age 50 or older are now caregivers, caring for at least one family member or friend with a health problem or disability.

The University of Michigan's National Poll on Healthy Aging found that a total of 30 percent of people ages 50 to 65 provide nursing care to at least one person. In comparison, only 23% of people over 65 are caregivers.

The poll also found that one in 10 people aged 50 to 65 are caring for three or more people at the same time. "Across the country, these data confirm that people ages 50 to 65 and women do not respond equally to care for family and friends facing health problems," said University of Michigan Demographics, which worked with the polling team on the new survey. Home Sarah Patterson said.

The survey found that about 32% of women aged 50 or above are caregivers, compared with only 22% of men in the same age group.

The poll also provides more information about who needs all this care.

About 23% of caregivers are caring for someone with an intellectual or developmental disability, and 66% are caring for an older adult with a health problem or disability. The most common health problem requiring care was physical disability or mobility problems, accounting for 59% of care recipients.

The next most common were memory or thinking problems, accounting for 42%, vision or hearing impairments at 28%, and mental health problems at 22%.

The survey results "tell us more about the specific health issues and disabilities they are helping their loved ones with, as well as learn more about existing supports for older adults and their caregivers," Patterson said in a news release. The need for planning."

When asked who should bear the cost of care, 45% of people aged 50 and over thought the government should take the lead, while 27% thought the person receiving care should foot the bill. About 18% said it should be family or friends.

The poll also found that 61% of caregivers were unaware of regional age agencies, which are local or regional organizations that provide support to caregivers, older adults and people with disabilities.

Researchers said the survey involved nearly 3,400 people, including more than 900 caregivers.

(Compiled by: Wang Jimin)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)