CARE’S ECHO: THE IMPACT OF CAREGIVING DURING COVID-19 ON OLDER WORKERS’ FINANCIAL, HEALTH, AND JOB OUTCOMES
2024
Impact of Caregiving During COVID-19 on Older Workers
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Matz Christina, Lai Patrick, Campos Barbara Mendez
Primary Institution: Boston College
Hypothesis
How did caregiving responsibilities during COVID-19 affect older workers’ financial well-being, health, job turnover, and employment experiences?
Conclusion
Caregiving during the pandemic significantly increased financial difficulties and health issues for older workers.
Supporting Evidence
- Spousal caregivers were 1.65 times more likely to face financial difficulties compared to non-caregivers.
- Spousal caregivers were 1.87 times more likely to have health issues due to delayed care.
- Caregivers who paused work for at least two weeks reported 2.69 times higher risks for financial difficulty.
- Caregivers who paused work for at least two weeks reported 3.29 times higher risks for health issues.
Takeaway
Taking care of family members during COVID-19 made it really hard for older workers, causing money problems and health issues.
Methodology
Logistic regression analysis using 2020 Health and Retirement Study data and the 2021 HRS Perspectives on the Pandemic survey.
Participant Demographics
Older workers aged 50 and above.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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