Which risk is increased for elderly spousal caregivers compared to non-caregivers?

The answer regarding the increased risk for elderly spousal caregivers compared to non-caregivers is indeed tied to a higher risk of dying. Research has consistently demonstrated that caregivers, particularly those who are elderly, can experience significant physical and emotional stress due to the demands of caregiving. This stress can lead to various health complications, including cardiovascular issues, depression, and anxiety, which can ultimately contribute to an increased mortality rate.

Moreover, elderly caregivers often neglect their own health needs while focusing on the care of their loved ones, which can exacerbate their own medical conditions and lead to detrimental health outcomes. This unique combination of physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by spousal caregivers often results in a higher overall risk of mortality compared to their non-caregiving peers.

The other options, while they may pose risks in different contexts, do not encapsulate the profound impact of caregiving on life expectancy in the same way. For instance, job loss is typically more applicable to working-age individuals rather than elderly individuals who may not be employed, while risks such as obesity and disability may not correlate directly to caregiving burden as significantly as mortality does.