01
Why caregivers become isolated
Caregiving fills the hours that used to hold friendships, work, and rest. Many caregivers cannot leave home, decline invitations for months, and slowly lose the social network that once sustained them.
Research · Caregivers
The Hidden Loneliness of Family Caregivers
The people who care for an aging or unwell loved one often disappear from their own social lives. The constant demands of caregiving cut off friendships and routines, making caregivers one of the groups most at risk of chronic loneliness.
← Back to all researchKey statistics
53 million
Americans are unpaid family caregivers
Source: AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving, 2020
+8 points
caregivers are more likely to be lonely than non-caregivers
Source: AARP Foundation
1 in 5
caregivers report their own health is fair or poor
Source: National Alliance for Caregiving, 2020
02
The toll it takes
The emotional and physical load of caregiving is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and worse physical health — a burden that often goes unseen and unsupported.
03
What helps
Respite, peer support, and a welcoming community reduce caregiver isolation. Knowing a loved one is cared for among friends gives the caregiver room to breathe — and to reconnect.
04
How Campus helps
Campus gives older adults a warm community of their own, which also relieves the families who care for them. It is built for both generations: connection for the senior, relief for the caregiver.
Frequently asked questions
Are caregivers more likely to be lonely?+
Yes. AARP Foundation research finds caregivers are about 8 percentage points more likely to be lonely than non-caregivers, largely because caregiving cuts them off from their own social lives.
How many family caregivers are there in the US?+
Roughly 53 million Americans are unpaid family caregivers, according to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (2020).
What reduces caregiver loneliness?+
Respite from caregiving, peer and community support, and trusted programs for the person they care for all help caregivers stay connected and protect their own health.
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