More than 1 in 5 Americans are unpaid caregivers

A large, national survey conducted by the CDC in 44 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico finds that more than 20% of Americans are unpaid caregivers. Here's more: 

• Overall trends: Between 2015-2017, nearly 21% of people who responded to a phone survey on health risks were classified as unpaid caregivers. An additional 17% said they expected to become caregivers in the two years following the survey. 
• Demographics: Nearly 60% of caregivers were women, and nearly 45% of caregivers were aged 45 and younger. 
• Regional trends: 14% of those in Puerto Rico reported being caregivers, compared to more than 28% of those in Tennessee. Unpaid caregivers were most common in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana, all with a 25% or higher prevalence.