The sandwich generation includes people between the ages of 40 and 60. This term is used for those people who are taking care of their old parents and children simultaneously. Such people are sandwiched between two generations, so they are called sandwich generation.

What is Sandwich Generation:  Sandwich generation is a term that has been in the news for some time. Sandwich generation includes people between the ages of 40 and 60. This term is used for those people who are taking care of the responsibilities of their old parents and children simultaneously. Such people are sandwiched between two generations, so they are called sandwich generation.

Which people come under this generation?   

• Individuals who take care of their parents and also raise their children.  
• Middle-aged professionals who are trying to balance both their family and career.
• Typically these people shoulder financial, emotional and caregiving responsibilities for both generations.
• This generation includes both men and women, but women are seen to have a greater burden of family responsibilities.  

Benefits of the Sandwich Generation - Photo: istock

Advantages of Sandwich Generation

• One gets the opportunity to spend more time with family.
• Close relationships are formed with both parents and children.  
• Children learn strong family values.
• When children see how their parents are taking care of their parents, they also develop a sense of duty.  
• An emotional bond deepens between parents, children, and ourselves.  
• Elderly parents do not feel lonely and children also get a chance to spend time with their grandparents.  
• By taking responsibility of two generations simultaneously, a person learns better budget planning and proper utilization of resources.
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Challenges of the Sandwich Generation - Photo: istock

The challenges of the sandwich generation and economic pressure

• It can be difficult to balance parents' medications, medical expenses and children's education and future planning.  
• Many times a person is unable to pay attention to his retirement savings.  

Physical and mental stress

• Dual responsibilities can make one feel tired and stressed.  
• Not getting enough sleep and time for self-care.  
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Imbalance between career and personal life – Photo: Pexel

Emotional pressure

• A person feels mentally tired due to worry about the deteriorating health of parents and the future of children.  
• Many times, they have to put aside their own desires and needs and concentrate on the upbringing of their parents and children.

Imbalance in career and personal life  

• It may be difficult to concentrate on career due to responsibilities of both office and home.  
• Many times promotion, job change or own growth has to be postponed.  
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Impact on personal life – Photo: istock

Impact on personal life

• Spending less time with your spouse can affect your relationship.  
• Social life and friendships are also affected.  

Tips for the Sandwich Generation

• Those who belong to the sandwich generation should make financial plans. Make a budget, invest for the future of parents and children.  
• People of the sandwich generation should give priority to self-care. Take care of your health and mental peace.  
• Seek support from other family members. Don't shoulder all responsibilities alone, ask for help from siblings and partner.  
• Try to maintain a balance between work and life.  
• Manage your time. Prioritize important tasks.  
• Take care of your mental health. Seek therapy or counseling if needed.  

Photo: istock