Can Informal Caregiving be Perceived as Rejuvenating? Changes in Perceptions of Ageing at Onset and End of Informal Caregiving during Different Stages of Life

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Perceptions of ageing are a central predictor of health, wellbeing, and longevity. This study analyses the association between the onset and end of informal caregiving and perceptions of ageing in different stages of life. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data from the German Aging Survey (2014, 2017) were used; a longitudinal dataset that is representative of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥40 years in Germany. Adjusted asymmetric fixed effects regression analyses were conducted to analyse the associations in three age groups (40 to <60, 60 to <80, and ≥80). Perceptions of ageing were measured in terms of attitude towards one’s own ageing (Philadelphia Geriatric Centre Morale Scale), subjective age (felt age), and onset of old age (when someone is considered to be old). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Significant changes in the perceptions of ageing were found only among individuals aged ≥80 years. In this group, the onset of informal caregiving was significantly associated with improved attitude towards one’s own ageing and the end of informal caregiving was significantly associated with increased subjective age and earlier onset of old age. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The perceptions of ageing improved with the onset and worsened with end of caregiving – but only among oldest old individuals. Thus, informal caregiving seems to be a significant predictor for perceptions of ageing in old age.

Caregiving intensity and its association with subjective views of ageing among informal caregivers with different sociodemographic background: a longitudinal analysis from Germany

“…In previous research male caregivers often reported difficulties with caregiving and having to learn new skills, such as cooking, cleaning and personal care (Russell 2007 ). They were also less likely to be involved in personal care (Pinquart and Sörensen 2006 ; Zygouri et al 2021 ). More diversity of tasks may thus not provide more variety and highlight one’s own abilities, as found among female caregivers.…”

“…Also, male and female caregivers would benefit from decreasing the number of care hours per week, as mentioned above. Since enabling diversity in care tasks seems to be only helpful for female caregivers’ views of ageing, reduction of care hours should not be achieved by reducing the range of care tasks among female caregivers and leaving them to provide, for example, only personal care, which is often the care task female caregivers are mainly involved in (Pinquart and Sörensen 2006 ; Stanfors et al 2019 ; Zygouri et al 2021 ). Instead, designing care support that reduces intensity not diversity, especially among older and female caregivers, is recommended, to foster more positive personal views of ageing.…”

“…A worsening of these views of ageing can impact health, well-being, and longevity negatively, while more positive views of ageing can be beneficial to these outcomes (Alonso Debreczeni and Bailey 2020 ; Chang et al 2020 ; Kotter-Gruhn et al 2009 ; Westerhof et al 2014 , 2023 ). Thus, better, respective, improving views of ageing are of relevance to informal caregivers, that is, to relatives or friends providing unpaid support to individuals with care needs, who often report worse health and well-being due to their care performance (Bom et al 2019 ; Zwar et al 2018 ).…”

“…We also expect female caregivers to be affected more strongly by any associations. Women usually spend more hours on caregiving, provide more care tasks than men and experience higher caregiver burden (Pinquart and Sörensen 2006 ; Stanfors et al 2019 ; Zygouri et al 2021 ). Gender differences in views of ageing have been inconsistent; however, they indicate that women are usually more worried about old age and have a less favourable perspective on their ageing (Ayalon 2014 ; Bai 2014 ; Barrett and Von Rohr 2008 ).…”

Quality of Life and Health Determinants of Informal Caregivers Aged 65 Years and Over

“…However, all these aspects are also known to affect health [28]. Based on the literature, the beginning of informal care is significantly associated with a better attitude toward old age, while the end of informal care is significantly associated with an increase in subjective age and an earlier onset of old age [29]. Measuring the self-perception of aging among informal caregivers is vital for understanding their attitudes and expectations regarding their caregiving role.…”