Publication Date

2026

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Liu, Yujun

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Abstract

As the population ages, more people rely on informal caregivers, which puts many older adults at risk for health problems. Caregiving can be meaningful and strengthen family bonds, but it often leads to more psychological stress, especially for older adults who also have their own health concerns. Research shows that regular physical activity can help older adults build resilience and improve their mental well-being. Still, we know little about the health of older caregivers who stay very active. This study examines the health effects of caregiving among members of the National Senior Games Association (NSGA), a group of highly active older adults, and explores whether regular exercise is associated with better mental health among caregivers.

The study is based on a 2021 survey of 5,300 NSGA athletes who are 50 or older. It measured caregiving status, how often participants exercised, the number of unhealthy days (both mental and physical), self-rated mental health, and basic demographic information. The analysis used descriptive statistics and regression models to examine how caregiving relates to health, accounting for factors such as age, gender, race, marital status, employment, and income. Approximately 16% of participants reported providing informal care. Caregivers experienced more days of poor mental health, and a marginally lower quality of life compared to non-caregivers. After adjusting for covariates, caregiving was not significantly associated with an increased number of physically unhealthy days. Regular exercise consistently emerged as a protective factor. Participants who exercised more frequently reported fewer unhealthy days, both mentally and physically, and were more likely to rate their mental health positively. Among caregivers, those whose responsibilities did not limit their activities reported substantially fewer days of poor mental health than those whose activities were limited.

These results show that caregiving remains a major source of psychological stress, even for highly active older adults. However, staying physically active is closely linked to better mental health and may help older caregivers build resilience.

Extent

52 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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