Never-Married Women as Caregivers to Elderly Parents: Some Costs and Benefits

Abstract

A study of fifty never-married women, aged 66-101, from metropolitan areas in the northeastern United States, revealed that most (84 percent) had been the primary caregivers for their aged and dying parents. Most of the women derived satisfaction and legitimacy from their role of nurturer. However, many also paid a high price for providing this care; they became emotionally and physically exhausted, financially depleted, and socially isolated.