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klaus
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Apr 13, 2012, 8:08 AM
Post #1 of 1
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Intergenerational relationships have never been more taxing than they are today. What we’re talking about specifically is Baby-boomers being caught between their parents and their children in an unprecedented squeeze.
On the one hand, children are maturing at a slower rate than at any time in history and many “children” who are technically adults continue to rely on their parents for sustenance and housing. On the other hand, medical technology, improved nutrition and healthier life choices have extended the life span of people well into their 80s and even 90s. Caught in the middle are those 50-something individuals, usually working women, that are caring for their aging parents and tending to the needs of their slow-to-mature children.
The numbers are quite impressive. According to the Pew Research Centre approximately 13% of Americans between the ages of 40 and 60 are raising children and caring for aging parents at the same time. What’s more, some 7 to 10 million American adults are caring for an aging parent a long distance away.
The phenomenon has become so prevalent that Merriam-Webster officially added the term “sandwich generation” to its dictionary in July 2006. What’s more, the terminology has been further refined to describe different situations.
Carol Abaya, the woman who coined the term “sandwich generation” because of her own experience in caring for parents and children has added sub-categories to define the differences. The “Traditional” represents those who are sandwiched between aging parents requiring care and their own children. The “Club Sandwich” refers to those who are caring for aging parents, adult children, as well as grandchildren. To those who are generally involved in elder care she refers to as “open Faced.”
The phenomenon has become so prevalent that the National Special Events Registry has added July as Sandwich Generation Month to their roster of national observations. Sandwich Generation Month officially recognizes and celebrates the dedication, patience and caring of adults in the Sandwich Generation. In addition, the commemoration also spotlights community support for those maintaining multi-generational families and seeks to heighten understanding and awareness of the sandwich generation’s needs.
The sandwich generation is highly likely to increase in numbers over the next two decades, given that “emerging adults” are becoming a permanent part of the landscape, as is the reality of increasing life spans. We currently do not have enough eldercare facilities in place to adequately provide for the needs of aging seniors and the slow economic recovery is ensuring that the number of adult children living with their parents will continue to increase. While being sandwiched between the needs of one’s parents and one’ children (or grandchildren) is tough, it’s a reality that’s here to stay.
Klaus Rohrich is President and Creative Director of Taylor/Rohrich Associates Inc., a marketing and advertising firm that specializes in niche marketing retirement real estate developments
http://www.maturitymarketing.com.
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