Gendered experiences of providing informal care for older people: a systematic review and thematic synthesis

Abstract Background and purpose The caregiving’s impact on informal carers’ quality of life gender-based stereotypes make older individuals’ care a complex process for which our knowledge is still limited. this review to identify how gender relates experiences providing people aged 60 years over with mental physical health needs by synthesising the available empirical data published between 2000 2020. Design methods systematic method reviewing qualitative was performed using PRISMA checklist ENTREQ statement. CASP tool used examine included papers. Thematic synthesis as methodological framework. Results This produced two analytical themes, caregivers’ labour negotiating identity self, society, cultural norms. While caregivers share motivators, linkage traditional impacts caregiving burden coping strategies. Informal entail constant pursuit self-agency after acquiring caregiver role. Cultural values their intersection appear influence healthy adjustment into new identities. flexibility move beyond boundaries could mediate negotiations self society developing identity. Providing intensive primary affects both men’s women’s health. Gender ideals feminine nurturing role further disadvantage women they determine arrangements, strategies resources sustain caring burden, adaptability experience positively. Men more flexible debate hegemonic masculinity defend existence in Conclusion implications Transgressing lines expanding possibilities can ease strengthen potentials. Health professionals empower careers challenge binaries expand intentionally injecting language diversity information processes. findings outline path research development people’s care.