What Is the Sandwich Generation?

What Is the Sandwich Generation?

Have you ever felt like bacon? If you have aging parents and growing child, you probably know what I mean. Bacon: everyone wants a piece of you and often at the same time. In the morning when you’re getting ready for the day, in the afternoon when there’s an emotional crisis, at dinnertime. When you’re a piece of bacon, you’re in high demand. Is your mouth watering yet?

Well, hold the drool, because the bacon we’re talking about is stuck in the Sandwich Generation. Though, if we were being honest, we would call them Paninis because they’re pressed between two generations that need care. These are the adults caught between raising children and caring for parents.

We talk a lot about Millennials making their mark on the world, but the Sandwich Generation is equally influential and definitely deserving of our attention.

With that in mind, here are a few things you should know about the Sandwich Generation.    

There’s a Lot of Them

Roughly 10 to 16 million Americans are smooshed in this demographic. The typical member of the Sandwich Generation is a 48 year-old woman with a steady job who spends about 20 hours a week caring for her parents. In general, nearly half of adults in their 40s and 50s are in this group. And that number will only grow. The Silver Tsunami is approaching- and faster than we think. With an increasing senior population, of whom most rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance, the need for care will increase, too.

They’re on TV

Not too long ago, NBC’s Superstore gave us a taste of what it’s like to be an employee without access to paid maternity leave. And, more and more, mainstream TV is showcasing characters who balance work and family, though “family” tends to mean children only. But, some shows like Empire, do give that extra layer-an aging or dependent parent- to a character. The reality of the care needs for this generation is also vivid in documentaries; like this one.” So, Sandwich Generation, we see you (literally) and acknowledge that the work you’re doing is a delicate balancing act. Even without the drama of primetime TV.

They’re Pressed and Stressed

Having to care for another human being is difficult. But, having to care for them while you’re caught between the needs of multiple generations is just crazy. And, as the aging population gets older, their long-term needs only increase. Of course, support for parents and children comes in many shapes and sizes; for example, emotional, physical, and financial.

In fact, among all adults with a living parent age 65 or older, more than one-third say that their parent or parents frequently rely on them for emotional support. And, about one-in-seven middle-aged adults provides financial support to both an aging parent and a child. With childcare so expensive, there’s no doubt that this presses the generation even further. And, according to Care.com’s 2016 Senior Care Survey, nearly one-in-five people provide $10,000 or more per year in financial support for the senior in their life! Speaking of which, if you’re a female in this group then you’re losing even more money. With daughters taking on more of the caregiving duties there is a major economic impact happening here. We’re talking upwards of $300,000 in losses… for just one woman. That’s how much she’ll lose in wages and Social Security benefits because of leaving the work force or scaling back on hours due to her caregiving responsibilities.

And, money isn’t the only thing that they’re losing. Sandwich-generation adults are somewhat more likely than other adults to say they are often pressed for time. Almost one third of Panini parents say they always feel rushed even to do the things they have to do. Plus, being a mother, a daughter, and an individual all at the same time can become quite exhausting. But, there are self-care and other tips out there to help manage the stress of all the hats that members of the Sandwich Generation are wearing.

They Need Help

Caregiving is the work that makes the world run smoothly; it makes everything else possible. Care needs are only increasing and as they do, those in the Sandwich Generation are only further pressed into Paninis.

A recent Care.com survey on the topic of senior care found that two-thirds of people (66%) worry about what senior care options will be available in the future for them and their spouse. In other words, people are worried.

But, there are several policies that can help alleviate stress by making care more accessible and cheaper for the seniors and the small-fries.

Consider Hawaii’s Long Term Care Proposal, which calls for the development of a fund to ensure that everyone has access to basic resources to provide care at home for aging or disable people. It is an example that not only recognizes the needs of the Sandwich Generation- but suggests a solution in the near-term.

On the other end of the age spectrum, Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits, which let you itemize care-related expenses to offset a family’s tax liability, could help too. Only, they’re a bit outdated. Luckily, there are proposals in place to help bring policies up to par with current needs. Updates and suggestions include Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s proposal to cap childcare spending at 10 percent, would help alleviate cost burdens on the already-stressed Sandwiches. And, let’s not forget Flexible Spending Accounts, or FSAs, which can also help with childcare –related expenses.

Companies are catching on, too. Which is perhaps not so surprising given that American businesses lose tens of billions annually in lost productivity costs due to absenteeism, presenteeism and other family care-related issues. Although you don’t hear about it as much as maternity and paternity leave, more and more business leaders are introducing employee benefits like Care@Work to address the work-life challenges of Sandwich Generation employees. In fact, according to the Families and Work Institute’s 2014 National Study of Employers, 43 percent of employers provide access to information about needed services for elderly family members, up from 31 percent in 2008.

As more people live longer, the Sandwich Generation will continue to grow – and so too will its impact at home, at work and in society. This is a demographic with complex needs that require innovative solutions … at all three of those levels. 

Now tell us: What are your ideas for taking a bite out of Sandwich Generation stress?


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