People in the South are more caring toward their elders than those in other regions of the country, a new study finds.

Nearly 17% of Southerners said in a survey they provide regular care to a friend or family member aged 60 or older who has a long-term illness or disability. That compares to 15% of people in the Midwest, Northeast and Rocky Mountain states, about 14% in New England and the Southwest, and 13% in the Pacific states, according to University of Florida researchers.

They study was based on results from a national telephone survey. It included responses from about 180,000 people. The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University commissioned the study. Carter, the wife of former President Jimmy Carter, is president of the governing board of the institute.