Family Caregiving Slightly less than a quarter of respondents in our 2022-2023 Community Needs Assessment reported that they are caring for an adult 60 years of age or older. Seemingly low at face value, caregivers fail to identify themselves as anything other than committed and loving family or friends versus the label of a “caregiver.” Of those who are caring for an older adult, nearly 40% care for a spouse or partner and 30% care for a parent or in-law.
We know that caregivers, who are often older themselves, have unique struggles in their aging journey. The majority of caregivers, both formal and informal are women, providing both child care during their younger years and care for older loved ones later in life. The Urban Institute found that over a lifetime, women lost $237,000 in wages for caregiving reasons because of time out of the workforce, unrealized employment opportunities, and other employment-related concerns. 18 These cumulative lost wages also have very real impacts later in life for retirees. In 2023, the Urban Institute found that women lose an average of $58,000 over their lifetime in employment-based retirement benefits and Social Security. 19
Older Adults Reporting How Often They Need Assistance with Daily Activities
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Bathing and Personal Hygiene
Getting Dressed
Mobility Aids (walker, wheelchair, etc.)
This tangible cost of caregiving leaves many caregivers of older adults more vulnerable to poverty and in need of care themselves as they age—perpetuating a continuous cycle. That’s why, with guidance through the Older Americans Act Title IIIE, we have focused on providing caregivers the support and resources they need to ensure their health and well-being remain intact while continuing to provide care. More than just lost wages, caregivers often defer maintenance on their own health care and needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20% of caregivers over the age of 45 did not have a routine checkup in the past year. 20 According to the same study, 17.4% of Arizona’s caregivers report that they experience frequent mental distress and nearly 50% of caregivers in Arizona report having two or more chronic conditions. 21
18 (Johnson et al., 2023.) 19 (Johnson et al., 2023.)
20 (Caregiving for Family and Friends — A Public Health Issue, n.d.) 21 (Caregiving for Family and Friends — A Public Health Issue, n.d.)
A Report to the Community
20
Pima Council on Aging
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