Caring for the Caregivers of Older Adults: Stress and Burnout Management

Dear Colleagues,

Caring for older adults has become an issue of growing social relevance. As life expectancy increases, so does the need for long-term care and continuous support, which has a significant impact not only on health systems but also on families and caregivers. The physical and emotional exhaustion of those who care for older adults is a major challenge, as such work can affect their well-being, mental health, and the quality of care provided.

Chronic caregiver stress is associated with multiple factors, such as workload, lack of rest, insufficient social support, and difficulty balancing personal life with caregiving responsibilities. This phenomenon can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and physical illness, highlighting the need to establish effective stress prevention and management strategies for this population.

It is essential to develop intervention programs, public policies, and support networks that promote self-care and the emotional well-being of carers. Such strategies should include education on stress management, psychological support, rest periods, and institutional recognition of the role of the carer. Equally important is the promotion of regular physical activity and exercise-based interventions, which have been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, enhance mood, and strengthen physical resilience among caregivers. Structured exercise programs, community-based movement activities, and accessible fitness initiatives can serve as both preventive and therapeutic tools for maintaining health and vitality in this group.

It is also important to encourage research on the effects of burnout and best practices for its comprehensive treatment. To this end, the purpose of this Special Issue is to bring together the latest findings related to the health and well-being of caregivers of older adults, including studies on risk factors, support programs, preventive interventions, and support systems. Psychosocial rehabilitation and self-care strategies will play a central role in this discussion, along with an analysis of policies and services aimed at improving the quality of life of both carers and those in their care.

We welcome original research articles and reviews. Areas of research may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Studies on caregiver burnout syndrome and its implications for public health;
• Research on psychological support programs and stress management for caregivers;
• Evaluations of social policies and systems aimed at caregiver well-being;
• Analysis of the relationship between self-care, quality of life, and the quality of care provided;
• Interventions and studies on the role of physical activity, exercise, and movement-based therapies in preventing caregiver stress and promoting holistic health.

Dr. Laura Muñoz-Bermejo
Guest Editor

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• caregivers
• older adults
• aging
• stress
• overload
• burnout
• physical and emotional stress
• prevention
• healthcare system