A Yale-led study finds that while many family caregivers assist older adults with serious health problems like dementia and disability, the majority aid adults without those issues. Caregivers are also helping with a much wider range of activities than previously thought, said the researchers.

The findings, published April 20 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, highlight the need for more attention and resources for family caregivers to lessen the significant financial, emotional, and physical burdens they bear, said the researchers.