Education as a safeguard: the influences of education on informal caregiving on retirees in Europe

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the causal impact of education on informal caregiving for retirees in Europe, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding implications and protection of older adults and caregivers. It explores how education influences caregiving responsibilities across gender and cultural contexts and its role in shaping policy responses to support vulnerable populations. Design/methodology/approach Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) across seven countries from 2004 to 2019, this study uses probit and instrumental variable techniques to address endogeneity and estimate the causal effects of education on caregiving. Findings Higher educational attainment significantly reduces the likelihood of providing informal caregiving, particularly among women and in individualistic societies. These findings highlight education as a protective factor that can mitigate caregiving burdens and enhance access to formal care services. Originality/value This study contributes to adult protection literature by demonstrating how education can serve as a safeguard against caregiving stress and vulnerability. It underscores the importance of integrating educational policy into broader frameworks for protecting older adults and supporting informal caregivers.