The “sandwich generation”

Are you feeling stuck in the “sandwich generation?” You’re definitely not alone. Nearly half of Americans in their 40s and 50s (47%) are sandwiched between their children and aging parents (Pew Research Foundation). And women still bear much of the responsibility of caring for children, and increasingly, for elderly parents.

In midlife, many of us realize that our parents need a little, or even a lot, of help. While we’ve been busy with careers and growing families, our parents may have been a resource for us. And while we may live in the same community, often our parents are in another community. Too often, the fact that they need help catches us off guard.

The "sandwich generation" is a term describing those in their 40s and 50s raising children and taking care of elderly parents.
The “sandwich generation” is a term describing those in their 40s and 50s raising children and taking care of elderly parents.

Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise, though.

The “elder boom” is on its way

By the year 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older will nearly double. The Pew Research Center expects the burden on families to grow along with the demographic trend of the United States turning gray.

Many are calling this trend an elder boom. In a 2018 Retro Report documentary titled, The Future of Aging, Sarita Gupta describes this trend as “a whole new way of life for our country.” Gupta, executive director of Jobs With Justice, is nationally recognized for her work on economic and political issues affecting working people.

Many seniors are working longer and have fewer resources

The Future of Aging documentary cites corresponding trends that will likely impact the number of seniors needing assistance from family members:

  • Seniors are waiting longer to retire, largely because they can’t afford to retire. Many rely on social security or have limited retirement savings.
  • One study projects that 40 percent of older middle-class workers will have incomes below or near the poverty level when they retire.
  • And the percentage of people over 65 who are filing for bankruptcy has increased five-fold since 1991.

And the “sandwich generation” is stepping up

The Pew Research Center recently surveyed adults ages 40-59 who have at least one parent aged 65 or older and at least one child aged 18 or older. The results showed that many men and women in midlife are already assisting their parents.

“In the U.S., about six-in-ten (58%) have assisted an aging parent with errands, housework or home repairs in the preceding 12 months. About three-in-ten (28%) say they have helped financially, while half as many (14%) say they have helped a parent with personal care, such as bathing or getting dressed.”

(https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/05/21/family-support-in-graying-societies/)

As more women join the sandwich generation Midlife Timeout offers caregiving resources

Whether you’ve been assisting your aging parents for a while or you’re just stepping into this journey, join us! Midlife Timeout provides soul space and practical resources for caregivers, especially those with dementia or other complex medical issues. I invite you to explore the website!

Check out these pages to get started:

Caring for Parents

Long Distance Caregiving

I am so grateful for this caregiving role with my aging parents. I’ve learned a lot. And I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from you!

May you find joy and hope as you navigate midlife. May you continue to connect and learn from your parents as you provide support. And may you find peace in your caregiving journey!

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3 Comments

  1. Elaine, Thank you for sharing this valuable information. My parents both passed away last year, but I know your words are benefiting many! Blessings on your writing journey and hard work to serve your people!

    1. Thank you so much, Debra. Perhaps we could chat sometime about what it’s like to lose your parents. Losing our parents is something that we all face at some point! I’m grateful for every moment with mine.

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