Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Caregiving is shaped by social system factors that influence the availability of formal and informal support and represents a key life-course experience linked to ageing and family roles. Intra-family relationships and the exchange of emotional and practical support are crucial for older adults' well-being, yet remain underexplored in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the European level, individuals aged 65+ with long-term care needs and their informal caregivers were among the most affected population groups. Methods: This study analyses open-access data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) to investigate the Italian context. The work examines pandemic-related changes in family care strategies, relational dynamics, and the adoption of digital tools to support informal caregiving. Results: Findings confirm the substantial increase in caregiver burden and care recipients' vulnerability associated with the unintended consequences of Covid-19 epidemiological control measures. Data show disruptions in care arrangements and heightened emotional and practical strain within families. Discussion: Alongside challenges, results highlight underexplored functional aspects of family care practices, particularly the supportive role of new technologies. Digital tools emerged as a relevant resource for sustaining caregiving and mitigating relational and organisational breakdowns, suggesting the need to further integrate technological support into informal care strategies.
Source: Frontiers in Sociology
Authors: Isabella Crespi, Marta Scocco
Institution: University of Macerata
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,418
OpenAlex ID: W7128002780