12.5.3: The “Sandwich Generation” and Elder Care
The “sandwich generation” refers to people who find themselves sandwiched between and responsible for two other generations, their children and their own aging parents.
Typically between the ages of 40 and 55, these people find themselves pulled in two directions.
Many feel overwhelmed as these competing responsibilities collide.
Some are plagued with guilt and anger because they can be in only one place at a time and are left with little time to pursue personal interests—or to just “get away from it all.”
As during the child-rearing years, women provide more emotional support than men to both grown children and aging parents (Parker and Patten 2013).
With people living longer, this issue is likely to become increasingly urgent.
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