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Unpaid caregiving across the lifespan and health outcomes in later life

Published Date: 1.3.2026

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Theme: Carer health and wellbeing

Sub-theme: Physical health

International publication Netherlands Carer Health-related quality of life Carer needs Health Longitudinal Survey Quantitative data

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Theme: Carer health and wellbeing

Sub-theme: Physical health

View Publication International publication Netherlands Carer Health-related quality of life Carer needs Health Longitudinal Survey Quantitative data

Verification Statement

This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.

The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user
, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.

All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.


To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.

 

Unpaid caregiving across the lifespan and health outcomes in later life

Published Date: 1.3.2026

  • Organisation Name

  • Author/ Authors

    Janecca A. Chin, I-Fen Lin

  • Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)

    Chin, J. A., & Lin, I.-F. (2026). Unpaid caregiving across the lifespan and health outcomes in later life. Advances in Life Course Research, 67, Article 100722. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alcr.2025.100722

Long Summary

Unpaid caring for loved ones is a common experience that can have long-term effects on health. This study looked at how caring builds up over time and influences health later in life, using data from 3,194 people. Four types of caring patterns emerged: brief caregiving later in life, early and sustained caregiving, repeated caregiving episodes, and long-term overlapping caregiving. The study found that women with the most intensive caring roles reported more chronic health issues and depression. In contrast, those who cared later in life or in separate episodes had lower chances of cognitive decline. This highlights the importance of understanding how caring shapes health over the long term and underscores the need for policies that support carers throughout their lives.

    Key Messages for Carers


  • Understanding lifelong care patterns can help carers recognise how different types of care involvement (short-term, recurrent, or prolonged) shape physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing over time. This article shows that short or episodic care roles are linked with better cognitive health, while prolonged or overlapping care may increase chronic health risks.
  • Insights from the article can support carers in identifying when additional support may be needed, particularly for those engaged in early, sustained, or overlapping care responsibilities that are associated with higher levels of strain.

  • Key Messages for Policy Makers


  • The diversity of care trajectories demonstrates the need for policy frameworks that recognise carers with prolonged or overlapping responsibilities as a priority group for health, mental health, and respite supports.
  • Many carers, particularly those in intensive caregiving roles, face mental health challenges such as depression. Policy solutions should include mental health care alongside physical health support for carers.
  • Providing resources and respite options early in the caregiving journey can help mitigate long-term health consequences and improve carers' wellbeing.

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The Carer Knowledge Exchange is led by Carers NSW and proudly funded by the NSW Government. It was established as a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney from 2021-2024. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.