Which factor contributes to reduced availability of family caregivers for the elderly?

• A. Fewer children due to lower fertility
• B. More children available to provide care
• C. Higher birth rates
• D. Urbanization

Answer: (A)

When people rely on family to care for aging relatives, the size of the family network matters. Fewer children due to lower fertility means there is a smaller pool of potential caregivers to draw from. If a parent has only one child, or if children are busy with work, their own families, or live far away, the chances that someone can provide daily or long-term care drop—so overall availability of family caregivers decreases. In contrast, more children or higher birth rates would expand the caregiver pool, making family-based care more feasible. Urbanization can complicate caregiving logistics, but it does not by itself increase the number of potential family caregivers.