Meeting ID: 955 9165 1787
Passcode: 812926

Abstract
Current frameworks around caregiving for older adults have an implicit assumption that caregivers actively chose their role. Yet, choice may be complicated, ambivalent, or non-existent. Moreover, choice may be influenced by the context of the care situation, family relationships, norms and values, and lack of alternatives. When asked, over half of caregivers in the U.S. report feeling they had no choice in their current caregiving responsibly, and lacking choice is associated with greater emotional stress, loneliness, strain, and negative mental and physical health outcomes for caregivers. Given that the population of family and other unpaid caregivers (e.g., friends) to older adults grew from 18 million in 2011 to 24 million in 2022 in the U.S. and is expected to continue to grow, feelings of choice has the potential to impact millions of Americans. This lecture will explore choice as a critical aspect of the caregiving process and reasons related to feelings of choice.

Biography
Sarah Patterson is a Demographer and Sociologist. Dr. Patterson’s research addresses whether and how social norms and family composition influence caregiving behaviors and wellbeing for family members. She has also studied the role of complex families and kinlessness in the lives of older adults.