Caregiving takes a mental and physical toll, report shows
Oct. 31, 2024—One in five U.S. adults is a caregiver. The role can be rewarding—but it can also be challenging. As a result, caregivers may be prone to certain health problems, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report suggests.
The report used data from 445,000 adults who answered questions about their health as part of a national survey. Researchers compared changes in 19 key health measures among caregivers and non-caregivers from 2015 to 2022.
They found some positive changes. For example, fewer caregivers reported smoking and being sedentary in 2022 compared to 2015. But caregivers were less healthy than those without caregiving responsibilities in many ways:
- Caregivers were more likely than non-caregivers to smoke.
- Caregivers reported more mental distress and depression.
- Some serious health conditions were more common among caregivers. These included obesity, asthma, COPD and arthritis.
- Overall, 13 of the 19 health measures were worse for caregivers than for non-caregivers.
Take good care of yourself
Caring for a loved one takes up time and energy—a lot of it, the Family Caregiver Alliance notes. It can be tough to carve out a few moments for yourself. But it's worth it. When you're healthy, you can be a better caregiver. Here are some ways to do that:
- Book a checkup. Many caregivers skip out on their own doctor's visits. But regular visits are crucial. They help you stay on top of health problems and catch new ones sooner.
- Look into caregiver services. You might attend a support group or use respite care. Everyone needs a break sometimes.
- Make time to move. Even a 10-minute walk can boost your mood and improve your health.
- Manage your stress. Take a little time for an activity you enjoy. Or try these stress-relieving tips.
- Share your feelings. Let a friend or family member know when you're struggling. And pay attention to signs that you may be overwhelmed. Anger, exhaustion and trouble focusing are warning signs of caregiver stress, the Alzheimer's Association says.
Sources
- AARP. "Family Caregiving Strains Caregivers' Mental Health." https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregivers-mental-health.
- Alzheimer's Association. "Caregiver Stress." https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/caregiver-stress.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: "Changes in Health Indicators Among Caregivers—United States, 2015–2016 to 2021–2022." https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7334a2.htm.
- Family Caregiver Alliance. "Caregiver Health." https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-health.