The term “Sandwich Generation” describes those individuals who are tasked with caring for their elderly parents while also raising their own children.
Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that approximately 12.5% of adults between the ages of 40 and 60 are simultaneously raising children and caring for parents, alongside an estimated 7 to 10 million adults who are providing long-distance care for their aging parents.
The term was officially incorporated into the Merriam-Webster dictionary in July 2006.
As a result of economic challenges, there has been a notable rise in the number of young adults, particularly those fresh out of college, returning to reside with their parents or remaining at home during their college years. A PEW Research Center study published in 2012, titled “The Boomerang Generation,” found that around 29% of young adults aged 25-34 are living with their parents. This trend is increasingly accepted in society, leading many individuals in such situations to report satisfaction, which could contribute to the normalization and longevity of this arrangement.
Consequently, the parents of these young adults find themselves in a position where they must support their children for an extended period, all while taking on the additional role of caregiver for their own aging parents.
Rodrigosaffiliates magazine will explore various subjects relevant to the Sandwich Generation. We invite your input; for questions or contributions, please reach out to Tricia White, Managing Editor, at Tricia@Rodrigosaffiliates.com.
