Christine McGarrigle’s caregiving research recognised in HRB impact report
Posted on 20 January 2026
Research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) has been highlighted in the Health Research Board’s latest Health Research in Action report, which showcases leading projects delivering real-world impact across Ireland’s health and social care system.
The report includes a feature on research led by Dr Christine McGarrigle, Senior Research Fellow at TILDA, examining the experiences and resilience of family carers in Ireland.
Recognising the contribution of family carers
Drawing on nationally representative TILDA data, the research explored the prevalence of family caring among older adults and the factors that support carers’ wellbeing over time. The study found that around 5% of adults aged 50 and over in Ireland provide family care, a figure that rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Importantly, the research showed that many older carers demonstrate strong resilience, particularly when they remain socially connected. Social integration and supportive networks were identified as key factors in maintaining wellbeing during periods of caregiving.
The findings also highlighted that carers facing their own health challenges, or those caring for adult children, may require additional support, and underscored the need for accessible formal services and respite care.
Informing policy and services
The HRB report notes that the findings have been shared with the Department of Health and Family Carers Ireland to help inform policy and service planning for carers.
Dr McGarrigle’s research emphasises that supporting carers’ wellbeing is not only important for the carers themselves, but also for the people they care for. As the report highlights, policies that promote social participation and provide practical supports can help carers maintain their resilience over time.
Celebrating continued research success
Dr McGarrigle leads TILDA’s social epidemiology research programme and has built an international reputation for her work on resilience, caregiving, and the social determinants of successful ageing. Her research continues to attract major national and international funding, including recent projects supported by the Health Research Board, Family Carers Ireland, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health. These studies are helping to build a stronger evidence base to inform policies and services that support carers and older adults in Ireland and beyond. The inclusion of this work in the HRB’s Health Research in Action report reflects the ongoing impact of TILDA research in shaping national conversations around ageing, caregiving, and health system planning.
Read the HRB Health Research in Action Report HERE