Cuidando A Otros : Older Latinx Caregiver Disparities, Financial Distress, and Health in California

Background and Objectives Latinxs are a growing aging population in California and nationwide. However, limited research exists on middle-aged and older Latinx caregivers and the multidimensional toll of caregiving. This study examines Latinx-White disparities in two indicators of caregiving-related strain: financial distress and physical and mental health strain. Research Design and Methods Using pooled cross-sectional data from the California Health Interview Survey (2019, 2020), we employ multivariable logistic regression models to examine financial distress associated with caregiving and caregiver-related health strain among Latinx and White adults aged 50 and older. Results Latinx caregivers were more likely to live below the federal poverty level, be younger, report poor or fair health, be employed, and care for a family member than their White counterparts. Latinx caregivers had higher odds of reporting financial distress due to caregiving (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.06-1.59) than White caregivers; however, socioeconomic factors and caregiving dynamics explained this relationship. Compared to White caregivers, Latinx caregivers were less likely (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.84) to report caregiver health strain, even in the fully adjusted models and despite worse self-rated health. Discussion and Implications Findings from this study underscore the need for targeted policies that alleviate the financial burden of caregiving for older Latinx adults, especially given their disproportionate exposure to economic precarity and high-intensity caregiving. While Latinx caregivers report lower caregiving-related health strain—potentially due to cultural resilience or social support—this should not obscure the structural disadvantages they face.