Sandwich generation faces rising caregiving pressures

The ‘sandwich generation’ refers to adults who simultaneously care for aging parents and raise children, a role that creates significant emotional and financial pressures. In the United States, approximately 23% of adults fit this description, providing support to children under 18 or adult children while also assisting parents aged 65 or older.

Research indicates that the burden is not distributed equally. According to AARP, over 60% of caregivers in the U.S. are female, and they report higher rates of physical and emotional stress. A 2022 paper in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society noted that roughly 2.5 million Americans provide care to older family members while also raising children, dedicating an average of 77 hours per month to caregiving.

These dual responsibilities often impact careers, personal health, and long-term financial planning, such as retirement savings. Managing these roles requires coordinating financial responsibilities among family members and evaluating strategies to manage debt and increase cash flow.