The Sandwich Generation

The Sandwich Generation

You may think it’s a funny way to describe a generation, however, it’s not so amusing if you understand what the term really means. As the senior population grows in Australia, a new generation of adults is evolving who are faced with the challenge of being “sandwiched” between aging parents and (adult) children. They are, therefore, quite literally being referred to as ‘the sandwich generation', providing physical, emotional and financial support to both their children and their parents simultaneously.

Who are the Sandwich Generation?
This growing demographic includes approximately 47% of adults in their 40’s to 70’s who have parents over the age of 65 and are also bringing up a young child or supporting a grown up child. One in seven are assisting both the parents as well as one or more children financially. There are many scenarios of people currently living in this situation, however, they can usually be summarised as follows:

The Traditional Sandwich Generation — Adults in their 40’s to 70’s who care for their aging parents while supporting their own children

The Club Sandwich Generation — Adults in their 50’s to 70’s wedged between elderly parents, their adult children and grandchildren

The Open-Faced Sandwich Generation — Those adults who are full-time carers for their elderly parents. It is estimated that 25% of middle-aged individuals will be caring for their elders at some point in their lives

The term ‘sandwich generation’ is now so common that it has been added to the English dictionary.  Although the definition is correct, it fails to mention the financial issues and emotional stress that comes standard with being a part of this generation of caregivers.

There are multiple stress factors facing the sandwich generation, some of which are: caregiver’s burnout; trouble finding time to be a good spouse, parent and child all at the same time, and finding time for themselves.

Being pulled in multiple directions every day can take its toll on one’s health, however, there are ways to help the sandwich generation get their lives back on track. Self-care is essential, yet easily neglected, especially when you are playing a balancing act between time and navigating between your family’s needs. Eating right, getting enough downtime, ample sleep and asking for help when required, are all essential. These simple steps are paramount to maintaining a caregiver’s stamina levels and general wellbeing when stuck in the ‘sandwich generation’.

Fortunately, Gourmet Meals can help ease the burden of coming up with nutritious meal ideas, doing the groceries and prepping meals by simply doing all of that for you. The only thing you need to do is click or call your order through and you can get healthy, great tasting homestyle meals delivered to your doorstep every week if need be, without any contracts. Browse our menu today to see not only the time you can save, but also the cost savings you will receive.