Summary
The latest data from the U.S. government shows that nearly 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to older adults, with Gen X women, aged 45 to 64, being the most affected group. These women often face the dual responsibilities of raising children and supporting aging parents, which impacts their financial security and work-life balance. Efforts to address this issue call for more supportive policies and workplace flexibility.
Key Facts
- About 38.2 million Americans aged 15 and older provided unpaid eldercare in 2023-24.
- Gen X women, aged 45-64, are most commonly the ones providing this care.
- These women often juggle working full-time, raising children, and caregiving.
- Over half of the caregivers are looking after their own parents.
- Among caregiving parents, 86 percent are employed, with 72 percent working full-time.
- Women lose about 15 percent of lifetime earnings due to caregiving, affecting their financial security.
- Calls for policy changes include more workplace flexibility and paid family leave for caregivers.
