Ann Arbor Times

A recent survey conducted by the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging reveals that more than one in four individuals aged 50 and older provide care for at least one family member or friend with a health issue or disability. The findings highlight significant demographic distinctions among caregivers.

The poll indicates that 30% of people in their 50s and early 60s provide care, compared to 23% of those over 65. Additionally, one in ten caregivers in their 50s and early 60s are responsible for three or more individuals.

Gender differences were also noted: 32% of women aged 50 and over act as caregivers, compared to 22% of men in the same age group. The data further details the recipients of this care, with 23% caring for an adult or child with an intellectual or developmental disability and 66% caring for someone aged 65 or older.

Physical disabilities or mobility challenges are the most common issues faced by those receiving care (59%), followed by memory or cognitive issues (42%), vision or hearing impairments (28%), and mental health concerns (22%). Forty percent of caregivers reported dealing with other unspecified conditions.

When asked who should bear the cost of caregiving for people over age 65, opinions varied: 45% believe the government should take the lead, while others feel it should be the responsibility of the person receiving care (27%), family or friends (18%), or other sources (10%).

Caregivers were more inclined to support government responsibility for caregiving costs (51%) compared to non-caregivers (42%). This view was particularly prevalent among those in their 50s and early 60s (48%) versus those over age 65 (41%). Gender differences were also apparent, with more women supporting government involvement (49%) compared to men (41%). Black respondents showed higher support for government-led caregiving costs at 63%, compared to low-40 percentages among other racial groups.

The poll is based at U-M’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, supported by AARP and Michigan Medicine. Additional funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund enabled a focused analysis on Michigan-specific caregiver data through the Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging.

Sarah Patterson, a U-M demographer involved in the survey, stated: “Nationwide, these data confirm that caregiving for family and friends who have health challenges falls unevenly on people in their 50s and early 60s, and women.” She emphasized the need for greater awareness of existing support programs for older adults and their caregivers.

Jeffrey Kullgren, poll director and associate professor at Michigan Medicine, highlighted that many caregivers may not be aware of local services available to them. The poll shows that only 39% of caregivers know about Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which offer support funded partly by federal and state resources. Awareness is even lower among non-caregivers at just 30%.

In Michigan specifically, over a third of women aged 50 and older reported providing care. Patterson noted that these findings reflect broader research indicating a need for increased support and awareness regarding caregiving resources.

The nationally representative survey was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago between February and March 2024 among both Michigan residents aged over fifty as well as adults from across the United States.