Friends Play Growing Role in Care for Older Adults
Millions of older adults rely on friends for essential tasks like transportation and shopping to maintain independence.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Eldercare
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Would you feel more comfortable relying on friends than family for your own long-term care needs?
University of Michigan researchers found that friends now provide essential care for millions of older adults, acting as a critical support network alongside family. The 2023 study highlights a shift in how adults aged 65 and older manage daily independence.
Why it matters
As family structures evolve and childlessness becomes more common, friends are increasingly filling the gap to ensure older adults can age in place. This shift redefines how households organize long-term care beyond traditional family roles.
Researchers analyzed 2023 data from over 2,600 older adults, identifying 2.4 million friend caregivers helping with everyday tasks. This group supports 12.2 million care recipients, with projections suggesting older adults will comprise 23.4% of the U.S. population by 2060.
The players
University of Michigan
A major public research institution that produces data-driven insights on health, family demographics, and aging policy.
The details
Friends typically support independent living by assisting with transportation, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and outdoor tasks. In contrast, family members remain the primary providers for more intimate needs like bathing and dressing. This division of labor helps those with limited family support maintain their daily routines at home.
Timeline
2023: Researchers collected data for the National Health and Aging Trends Study.
October 2026: The University of Michigan published the caregiving study results.
2060: The global population of older adults is projected to nearly double.
The Home Front
This trend marks a notable departure from traditional caregiving models that assume family proximity as a default. As demographic shifts continue, households are increasingly looking beyond relatives to build sustainable long-term support networks.
If you are planning for future care, consider identifying non-family members in your network who can assist with logistics like transportation and shopping. Families should discuss these roles early to ensure they balance specialized personal care with everyday household needs.
The takeaway
The rise of friend-based care shows that reliable support systems are increasingly built through intentional social networks rather than family alone. Households should proactively discuss care preferences with friends and family now to secure support for future independence.
Further reading
Find more resources on organizing long-term assistance in our Eldercare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Michigan Daily.
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Would you feel more comfortable relying on friends than family for your own long-term care needs?
