Family caregiving is a critical role that millions of people take on every day. Whether it’s caring for aging parents, a spouse, or even a child with special needs, caregiving spans across all generations. Below, we’ll break down the statistics of family caregiving by generation, giving you a snapshot of who is shouldering this responsibility and how they are doing it.
Who Are Family Caregivers?
- A family caregiver is someone who provides unpaid care to a loved one who is unable to fully care for themselves due to aging, illness, or disability.
- As of 2025, over 53 million Americans are family caregivers.
Family Caregiving by Generation
Gen Z (Ages 11-26 in 2025)
- Percentage of family caregivers: ~6% of Gen Z (approximately 3 million caregivers).
- Caregiving focus: Often help care for grandparents or siblings.
- Living arrangements: About 16% of Gen Z caregivers live with the person they care for.
Millennials (Ages 27-42)
- Percentage of family caregivers: ~23% of Millennials (around 12 million caregivers).
- Caregiving focus: Primarily care for aging parents or grandparents.
- Living arrangements: Approximately 30% live with their care recipient.
Gen X (Ages 43-58)
- Percentage of family caregivers: ~29% of Gen Xers (about 15 million caregivers).
- Caregiving focus: Split between caring for aging parents and supporting their own children (the “sandwich generation”).
- Living arrangements: Roughly 38% of Gen X caregivers live with their care recipient.
Baby Boomers (Ages 59-77)
- Percentage of family caregivers: ~27% of Boomers (around 14 million caregivers).
- Caregiving focus: Primarily care for spouses or elderly parents.
- Living arrangements: About 24% live with their care recipient.
Silent Generation (Ages 78-95)
- Percentage of family caregivers: ~15% of this generation (approximately 8 million caregivers).
- Caregiving focus: Often care for a spouse or close friend.
- Living arrangements: Nearly 45% live with the person they care for due to advanced age and shared needs.
Key Takeaways
- Generational overlap: Caregiving isn’t limited to one group; each generation plays a role, often driven by life circumstances.
- Living arrangements:
- Gen X has the highest percentage of caregivers living with their loved ones among middle-aged groups.
- The Silent Generation tops the chart for living with care recipients due to shared aging needs.
- The “Sandwich Generation”: Gen Xers and Millennials are often caught between caring for their parents and their own children.
Why These Numbers Matter
Understanding the breakdown of caregiving by generation can:
- Help policymakers and businesses create better resources and services for caregivers.
- Highlight the importance of mental health support and financial assistance for caregivers.
- Inspire caregivers to connect with others in their generation who understand their challenges.
Support for Family Caregivers
If you’re a caregiver, know that you’re not alone. Here are some resources to explore:
- National Alliance for Caregiving for statistics and tools.
- AARP’s Caregiving Resources for guides and financial planning.
- Local support groups to connect with other caregivers in your community.
Family caregiving is a labor of love, but it’s also a role that deserves recognition and support. By understanding the statistics, we can better advocate for caregivers across all generations.
