A recent Newsweek article titled “One Generation of U.S. Women Is Bearing the Burden of Unpaid Eldercare” spotlights new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealing that nearly 40 million Americans are providing unpaid care for older adults—and that Gen X women are carrying the greatest share of that responsibility.

In the piece, Marvell Adams Jr., CEO of Caregiver Action Network (CAN), discusses the societal and economic pressures contributing to this imbalance and the urgent need for more support systems for caregivers.

“Caregiving has historically been seen as women’s work. Even as more men step up, women are still most likely to become the default caregiver for aging parents,” Adams told Newsweek. “Sexist notions of gender norms, continuing wage gaps, and workforce expectations all reinforce why women often carry the heavier share of this responsibility.”

Adams also emphasized that the demands of caregiving extend beyond emotional and physical exhaustion to include long-term financial consequences.

“Gen X women often balance full-time jobs with caregiving, which can mean lost income, stalled careers, and heightened stress,” he said. “Employers can help by offering flexible schedules, paid family leave, and caregiver support benefits. Policymakers must recognize caregiving as an essential part of our economy, not just a private family issue.”

The Newsweek feature underscores CAN’s ongoing advocacy for equitable caregiving policies and accessible support resources for families nationwide.

🔗 Read the full article on Newsweek: One Generation of U.S. Women Is Bearing the Burden of Unpaid Eldercare (Published October 6, 2025)