News Release

May 16, 2006
Contact: Jerry Carey
Phone: (856) 566-6171
careyge@umdnj.edu

Researchers Seek Women Who Work, Provide Care to an Older
Person for Study

STRATFORD—Researchers at the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging (NJISA) 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 BALANCE study's principal investigator and director of Research at NJISA. "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."

Interested women can volunteer for the BALANCE study by calling the NJISA at 1-877-NJ AGING (1-877-652-4464). Volunteers will be asked to participate in a phone interview that can be scheduled at their convenience.