Beyond close ties: how social engagement shapes care-giver burden in later life

Social connections are central to well-being, with both close social ties and casual acquaintances shaping the health of older adults. Yet, their specific roles in influencing caregiver burden remain underexplored. Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) (2005-2023), we examined how core social networks and social engagement are associated with caregiver burden among 468 older adult caregivers. Core social networks are comprised of confidants with whom respondents have discussed important matters, which can include close friends, relatives, and spouses. Meanwhile, social engagement (e.g. volunteering, participation in organized groups, and church attendance) involves interactions with many different casual acquaintances. These two different types of social connectedness may be differentially associated with caregiver well-being. Our findings revealed a paradox: larger core social networks were associated with greater odds of caregiver burden, whereas all forms of social engagement-volunteering, group meetings, and religious attendance-reduced the odds of reporting caregiver burden. Higher levels of social engagement, such as having more friends or more frequent participation in social activities, similarly reduced the odds of reporting caregiver burden. Diverse engagement across multiple activities also lowered the likelihood of experiencing caregiver burden. These results suggest that caregiver burden may be shaped not only by the size of one's core network but also by the breadth and frequency of social participation, particularly in settings that foster casual social ties.