Objectives This study examined how caregiving intensity, duration, and labor type are associated with physical and mental health among family caregivers (FCGs) across life-course stages. Methods Using cross-sectional data from 2,610 FCGs in the 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we applied multivariable logistic and linear regression models stratified by life-course stage. Results Women had 65% higher odds of depression than men (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.22–2.22), consistent across all age groups. Older FCGs who provided care for two or more years showed markedly worse physical health, a pattern consistent with wear-and-tear and cumulative disadvantage frameworks. Midlife FCGs presented a sandwich-generation profile of worse physical health with increased caregiving intensity. Conclusion Findings highlight the need for age-tailored caregiver support and structural reforms, including expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act, wage replacement programs, and a caregiving-linked Medicare benefit.
DeGrande et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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