One Generation of US Women Is Bearing the Burden of Unpaid Eldercare
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.
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