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

INTRODUCTION: 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.

METHODS: 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).

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSION: 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.