More Americans are taking care of aging parents--and the cost of that care is adding up.

The University of Michigan conducted the National Health and Retirement Study an found that over the past 15 years, the percentage of adult children caring for aging parents has tripled.

"For those over 50, about 25% are taking care of elderly parents," says AJC business writer Henry Unger.  "About half of them are taking off work and half are doing it while they're still at work."

The total amount of lost compensation is $324,044 for female caregivers, and $283,716 for males.  Women lose about $142,693 in wages when leaving the workforce early and $131,351 in Social Security benefits.  Men lose $89,107 due to leaving the workforce early and approximately $144,609 in benefits.

Researchers conservatively estimated the impact on pensions for each gender at about $50,000.

The study also finds that adult caregivers are more likely to report suffering health issues themselves, compared to children who don't take care of aging parents.