Health status, health behaviours and anxiety symptoms of older male caregivers: Findings from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project.

Abstract

To explore differences between older male caregivers and non-caregivers on health status, health behaviours and well-being, including symptoms of anxiety. Data were collected through self-completed questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with 1705 community living men aged ≥70 in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. Eleven per cent of older men were caregivers, of whom 81.7% were looking after their wives or partners. Older male caregivers did not have worse physical health or more depressive symptoms than non-caregivers, but being a caregiver was associated with increased likelihood of reporting anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.39-3.87). Caregivers had similar levels and frequencies of leisure activities but did more housework activities than non-caregivers. Higher anxiety levels were the main adverse health condition in older male caregivers. Strategies to assist minimising anxiety for caregivers should be a target of interventions.