Carers Live Longer

Researchers now say that those caring for a sick spouse with serious health problems are less likely to suffer an early death. Those who spent at least 14 hours a week providing care had a lower risk of dying prematurely. Now research suggests it can help people feel useful giving them a sense of purpose. Researchers at the University of Michigan tracked 3,376 men and women since 1990 and looked at those carers who died during that period of study. In my experience anything that gives someone a sense of purpose is good and 2 hours per day may well do that, but it is a different matter when caring for seriously ill loved ones at home is up to 24 hours per day as thousands are doing in the UK, perhaps another study should be made here.