Marketplace All-in-One The "invisible workforce" of family caregivers
Dec 16, 2025
Debra Whitman, AARP's Chief Public Policy Officer, explores the growing crisis of caregiving in the U.S., with 63 million caregivers often stepping into roles unexpectedly. She highlights the heavy mental and financial burdens they bear, averaging $7,200 in out-of-pocket costs. Debra discusses the diverse landscape of caregivers, particularly the 'sandwich generation' balancing multiple responsibilities. She advocates for policy solutions like paid caregiver programs and emphasizes the need for open conversations about care preferences.
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Caregiving Is Widespread And Growing
- About 63 million Americans, nearly one in four, are family caregivers in 2025 according to AARP.
- That represents an increase of over 20 million caregivers since 2015, driven by an aging population and limited formal care systems.
A Sudden Call Changed Her Plans
- Deborah Whitman describes being called during a business trip when her father fell ill and quickly needing to arrange care.
- She emphasizes how sudden health events thrust family members into caregiving with little warning or planning.
Caregiving Has Massive Economic Impact
- Caregiving imposes big financial and economic costs beyond individual households.
- Supporting caregivers in the workplace could grow the economy by about $1.7 trillion by 2030, over 5.5% of GDP.