Who’s caring for aging America?
All baby boomers will officially be senior citizens by the end of the decade
America is **aging rapidly**, and with that shift comes a growing wave of family caregivers stepping up to support elderly loved ones. Two strangers in Midvale, Utah—Gay Johns and Linda Draper—illustrate this reality perfectly. Both live just miles apart but lead separate lives, united only by their roles as caregivers for aging relatives.
Johns helps her 94-year-old father, Bob Capson (affectionately called "Farmer Bob" by neighbors for his thriving garden and fruit trees), while the Drapers care for Randy's 75-year-old mother, Nancy, who now lives in a mother-in-law apartment in their home.
A recent Pew Research Center report, "Family Caregiving in an Aging America" (released February 2026, based on a September 2025 survey of 8,750 U.S. adults), shines a light on this expanding phenomenon. The study, which includes insights from 1,193 self-identified caregivers, reveals that **1 in 10 U.S. adults** (10%) are currently caring for a parent aged 65 or older, and another **3%** care for a spouse or partner in that age group.
Among those who actually have an aging parent or spouse/partner 65+, the numbers jump: about **1 in 4** (24-25%) report taking on some caregiving responsibilities. As Kim Parker, director of social trends research at Pew, notes, that's a "pretty significant" share.
What Does Caregiving Actually Look Like?
Caregiving covers a wide spectrum of tasks, often starting small and growing over time. The most common help involves practical support like running errands, handling housework, or making home repairs. Many also manage health care (appointments, medications) or finances (budgeting, bill payments). A smaller but notable group provides hands-on personal care, such as help with bathing or dressing.
The burden intensifies as loved ones reach 75 and older. For example:
- Bob Capson remains largely independent—he still drives to the store and prepares simple meals—but he relies on Gay Johns and her brother for weekly visits to handle heavier tasks (like roof work), make phone calls (due to hearing issues), and schedule doctor appointments.
- Nancy Draper no longer cooks or drives, so Randy (semi-retired) takes the lead on meals, grocery runs, and transportation, with Linda (a full-time teacher) pitching in.
Linda's background prepared her somewhat: she helped care for her grandfather with Alzheimer's and her father after a brain tumor diagnosis during her youth. For Randy, the adjustment was bigger, but both have embraced the role.
Who Bears the Brunt? Income, Gender, and Other Disparities
The Pew survey highlights clear disparities:
- **Women** are more likely to be caregivers than men (28% vs. 23% among those with an aging relative).
- A **huge income gap** exists: **39%** of lower-income adults with an aging parent/spouse/partner are caregivers, compared to **23%** of middle-income and just **16%** of upper-income adults. Higher earners often hire outside help, while lower-income families cobble together solutions. Lower-income older adults also tend to have worse health outcomes, increasing the need.
Caregiving's emotional and physical toll is real, especially for those caring for parents:
- Many report positive effects on their relationship with the parent.
- But **more negative** impacts hit their own emotional well-being (39%), physical health (33%), finances, jobs, and social lives.
- Women feel this strain more acutely: **47%** say it negatively affects their emotional well-being (vs. men, where it tilts positive), even though task types don't differ dramatically by gender.
Broader Context and Support Needs
Estimates vary by definition, but millions are involved—AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving's 2025 report puts family caregivers at **63 million** (with many focused on adults). The unpaid labor's economic value is staggering, estimated at around $600 billion.
Caregivers often juggle work, kids, and other duties, leading to adjustments like reduced hours or time off. Many take on debt or face financial strain.
Public support for policy solutions is strong and bipartisan:
- **78%** favor tax credits to offset caregiving costs.
- **71%** support respite care (like adult day programs) for breaks.
- **69%** back required paid family medical leave from employers.
- **63%** endorse direct payments for caregiving help.
These ideas appeal across party lines and even among non-caregivers.
Looking ahead, most adults say they'd prefer to age in place at home with help if needed—but fewer than 40% think it's realistic. Higher-income folks are more open to assisted living.
Stories like those of Gay Johns, the Drapers, and "Farmer Bob" remind us that caregiving is both a labor of love and a growing societal challenge. As baby boomers enter senior years, these ripple effects will touch more families, economies, and communities. Recognizing and supporting caregivers isn't just compassionate—it's essential for an aging America.