Researchers seek women who care for an elder

STRATFORD - Researchers at the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine are seeking volunteers for a new study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, that examines the complex demands of women who work while also providing care to an older person. The BALANCE (Balancing and Learning about Negotiating Caregiving and Employment) study will include 400 women, ages 50 to 64, who work at least 35 hours per week and provide care to a community-dwelling friend or relative. “This research will examine the ways in which women combine work and caregiving responsibilities and the effect that these two roles have on their physical and psychological well-being,” said Dr. Rachel Pruchno, the study’s principal investigator and director of Research at the institute. “The results will broaden our understanding of the work/family roles of older women and should help business leaders and policy makers understand the personal, social and economic costs that these older working women must balance every day,” she added. Interested women can volunteer for the study by calling the institute at 877-NJ AGING (652-4464). Volunteers will be asked to participate in a phone interview scheduled at their convenience.