This special collection brings together evidence from England and 29 European countries to better understand who provides unpaid care and how caregiving affects people’s lives. The research shows that caring responsibilities are not shared equally and can have important consequences for employment, health, and social participation. The findings also highlight persistent inequalities, particularly by gender, socioeconomic background, and the care systems in different countries. As demand for care continues to grow across Europe, the collection underscores the need for policies that better support carers and reduce the unequal impacts of caregiving.
Anne McMunn (editor) et al| European caring in later life: Taking a life course perspective (Invited Authors Only) | European Journal of Ageing, 2026