We have a narrative in society that says that caregivers have more depression and stress, spend their caregiving years suffering, only to lead to premature death. Our guest today shares a more balanced and factual narrative about caregivers.

Yes, many caregivers do indeed have increased rates of stress and depression. Research shows, however, that caregivers are remarkably resilient and actually DO NOT have a reduced lifespan as a result of caregiving.

Our guest today, Dr. William Haley, Professor of Aging Studies, reveals how caregiving actually affects caregivers and shares several resilience strategies you can use (starting today) to bolster your resilience and lower your stress. Listen until the end for all the great tips and strategies.

 

Here's a peak inside my interview with Dr. William Haley:

• [04:02] Dr. Haley shares his story: Where he's from and what inspired him to study aging and caregiving.
• [8:23]  Learn about a stress and coping model tailored just for caregivers.
• [14:33] Caregivers are more physically and psychologically resilient than we give them credit for. Learn all about caregiver resilience here. 
• [18:18] It used to be thought that the stresses of caregiving shortened our life span. But the reality is that caregivers who are stressed and depressed are actually living longer than non-caregivers who are stressed and depressed.
• [21:14] There are many benefits to finding meaning as a caregiver, one of the benefits being that it helps you cope with stress. 
• [33:03] Dr. Haley summarized his recommendations of ways caregivers can bolster their resilience.
  
  

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