The Supplementary Role of Friends in Caregiving Networks - Summary - MDSpire

The Supplementary Role of Friends in Caregiving Networks

  • By

  • Karen L. Fingerman

  • Sibo Gao

  • Elizabeth Muñoz

  • July 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To examine the role of friends within the caregiving network for older adults with activity limitations.

Approach:
  • Study Design: Analysis of nationally representative data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study involving 2619 older adults aged 65 years and older.
Key Findings:
  • Approximately 2.4 million friends provide care to older adults in the US.
  • Friends provide fewer hours of care compared to family members (18.1 vs 66.6 hours per month).
  • Friends are more likely to assist with transportation and specific tasks like grocery shopping and meal preparation.
  • Older adults with friend support tend to be younger, college-educated, female, unmarried, and living alone.
  • Friend caregiving may be underreported.
Interpretation:

Limitations:
  • The study does not account for the quality or duration of friendships.
  • Friend caregiving may be underreported due to the perception of activities as simply being a good friend.
Conclusion:

Sources:

Original Source(s)

The Supplementary Role of Friends in Caregiving Networks

  • by Karen L. Fingerman, Sibo Gao, Elizabeth Muñoz

  • July 2, 2026

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