The Economics of Time: Why Paid Services Are Replacing the Village

The survey of 2,002 adults across the U.S. and Canada highlights a stark divide between intention and ability. While 70% of respondents report robust emotional support systems, the physical act of helping one another is increasingly outsourced. Among adults under 45, 41% now rely on paid services for tasks historically handled by family or friends, a figure that drops to just 18% for those aged 62 to 80.

Addy Graves, CEO of Cashew, argues that this shift is not about mere convenience but the changing economics of time. For many, paying for assistance is a strategic choice to preserve energy for caregiving and essential relationships. This pressure is most acute among younger caregivers, one-third of whom have taken on debt to cover essential support services. For this cohort, the threshold for debt rises to 41%, demonstrating that convenience has evolved into a logistical necessity for those managing competing life demands.