A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reaches the conclusion that people caring for family members experience longer lives than people who don’t.
The study, which surveyed 3,503 people, found that caregivers were 18% less likely to die over a six-year period than non-caregivers.
An article from National Public Radio (NPR) looks into the reasons why this might be the case and finds what one might expect. Leah Eskinazi, director of operations at the Family Caregiver Alliance, explains that caregivers “feel really good that they can give back to mom, for example, because mom was really there for them when they were growing up. Maybe they weren't the best kid, but as they've aged they can have a more balanced healthier relationship and heal some of those wounds."
While caring for someone with dementia can be draining, NPR cites studies showing that only 10% of caregivers were taking care of someone with dementia.
