The Millennial Caregiving Crisis

Caregiving often arrives suddenly and few people are prepared for the realities it brings. Most of us today, in our 40s, 50s or 60s, are focused on work, enjoying kids or grandkids, or planning for retirement. And then it hits: a parent, spouse, or sibling needs care. Overnight, you become the caregiver.

That’s what happened to Rachael Piltch-Loeb, a public health professor and author of The Millennial Caregiver, when her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s when she was just 28 years old. She found herself balancing family life, a demanding career, and the overwhelming responsibilities of caregiving without a roadmap.

The challenge? Most caregiving resources are written for older spouses or retirees. And while this is still the majority, increasingly  middle-aged adults who are already managing work, family, and their own health have to take on the additional role of caregiver. This gap leaves many families underprepared and overwhelmed.

Rachael wanted to fill this gap. Her research-backed book provides a roadmap for caregivers, but she also highlights the importance of supportive structures that include a team of patient navigators who help families coordinate across doctors and systems. The goal is to provide resources that alleviate chronic stress and ensure that patients receive the care they need to live a long, healthy life.

🫁 How old are your lungs, really?
A simple breathing test can reveal your lungs’ biological age and predict risk of disease earlier than traditional exams.
👉 [BBC Future]

🐳 Whales, deep diving, and human health
Whales’ unique oxygen management may hold clues for protecting the human brain and heart under stress.
👉 [National Geographic]

🎽 Weighted vest walking is everywhere
The viral trend isn’t just for TikTok. Adding resistance to daily walks improves bone density, balance, and calorie burn.
👉 [Glamour]

💊 Niacin: forgotten vitamin or flawed longevity tool?
Once hailed for cholesterol and heart health, new Mayo Clinic data shows niacin’s benefits may be more limited—and sometimes risky.
👉 [Mayo Clinic]

📊 COMMUNITY POLL

Last week, 45% of you were most excited about Apple Watch's new health tracking (telomere testing came in second at 37%). This week's question hits closer to home:

Inspired by this week's caregiving theme, here's a quick, nutrient-dense meal that supports both caregiver and care recipient:

Perfect for those hectic caregiving days when you need fuel fast—and evidence shows these ingredients support cognitive function for both generations.

🥄 Pro tip: Make it a smoothie bowl by blending frozen blueberries with a splash of almond milk, then top with the other ingredients.

The best part of this newsletter? Hearing how these stories resonate with your real lives. Drop us a line about your caregiving experiences, longevity experiments, or anything that sparked curiosity this week.

Keep exploring,

_{The information provided about wellness and health is for general informational and educational purposes only. We are not licensed medical professionals, and the content here should not be considered medical advice. Talk to a doctor before trying any of these suggestions.}

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