Caregiver burnout and mental health risks for the sandwich generation

The 'sandwich generation'—individuals, primarily women, who simultaneously care for aging parents and dependent children—faces significant physical, emotional, and mental health risks. Psychologist Lara Ferreiro notes that this dual responsibility often leads to a constant state of vigilance, or being 'on guard,' which exhausts the nervous system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), informal caregivers have a 20% higher probability of experiencing mental health issues.

Research from Alejandra Araya at Universidad Andrés Bello highlights that the lack of support networks exacerbates this burden. In Chile, caregiving is largely a family responsibility, with 95% of caregivers being relatives and nearly 90% being women. The WHO estimates that social isolation affects up to one in three older adults, a condition linked to depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, global estimates link loneliness to more than 871,000 deaths annually, affecting both the elderly and those providing their care.