Sandwich generation
The phenomenon was recognized in the late 20th century, as changes in lifespan and a later age for childbearing meant that mothers often had small children and frail parents at the same time.
[1][2] The term sandwich generation was introduced to the social work and the gerontology communities, respectively, by Dorothy Miller and Elaine Brody in 1981.
[3][4] The construct refers originally to younger women in their thirties and forties who were taking care of their children, but also having to meet the needs of their parents, employers, friends, and others.
As people are living longer and children are growing up and needing continued care, the "sandwiching" effect is felt by both men and women who are in their fifties and sixties.
The demographic could continue to change, but the idea remains the same,[5] with recent research focusing on the concept of the senior sandwich generation.
[6] Carol Abaya, nationally recognized as an expert on aging and elder/parent care issues in the US, categorized the different scenarios involved in being a part of the sandwich generation in the following way: Merriam-Webster officially added the term to its dictionary in July 2006.
In a study done by the Pew Research Center in 2012, published in an article called "The Boomerang Generation," about 29% of young adults ranging from the ages of 25–34 live with their parents.
With the entrance of millennials, a younger demographic is now entering the sandwich generation, facing a new set of challenges as they have fewer assets but older parents.
[1] Locational aspects aside, most caregivers experience some common difficulties, including how to manage their time efficiently between children, older parent, family, work, and personal well-being.
[15] Many caregivers deal with older parents who are experiencing Alzheimer's and dementia, which makes daily functioning and memory very difficult for them.
[16] In China, it is estimated that the proportion of married couples aged 30–59, who are residing with or frequently providing transfer to both parents and children, was about 35.18%.
Hence, they are "sandwiched" between the large population who truly need public assistance, and the smaller number of people who can afford private residences and other luxury goods.
[23] Research published in 2022 by pollster Opinium and employee benefits provider Unum estimated that around 6 million workers in the UK consider themselves to be in the 'sandwich generation'.
