Life in the Sandwich Generation: 10 Key Stats

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Managing children and aging loved ones? Discover 10 powerful stats and tips to help sandwich generation caregivers manage stress, finances, and self-care.

Key Takeaways:

  • Create a supportive community. It’s tough to balance care for aging parents and children. Connect with like-minded people for emotional support and practical advice.
  • Self-care is crucial. Juggling work, parents and children stretches you thin. Set boundaries, delegate tasks and take moments for yourself to prevent burnout.
  • Protect your future. Don’t neglect your long-term well-being. Seek out financial guidance for your specific situation, and maintain some retirement contributions when possible.

54%
The percentage of Americans in their 40s who have a living parent 65 or older as well as either a child under 18 or an adult child they have helped financially in the last year. You’re not alone in facing these challenges, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with others through support groups, online communities or in-person meetups. (Pew Research Center)

22
The number of hours the average sandwich generation caregiver spends per week providing care, often while juggling their regular employment. Consider tracking your caregiving hours to help identify where you might benefit from assistance, whether through family members, community services or paid help. (National Alliance for Caregiving)

20
The number of caregiving hours per week when sandwich caregivers begin to report serious symptoms of depression or anxiety. Regular check-ins with a mental health professional can provide vital support, and many telehealth options now make therapy more accessible, even with a busy schedule. (Journal of Public Health)

61%
The percentage of sandwich-generation caretakers who are women, often taking on more of the caregiving responsibilities than men. If you’re a woman in this role, having an open conversation with your partner or siblings about equitable distribution of caregiving duties can help prevent burnout and resentment. (AARP Public Policy Institute)

$73,454
The average family income for sandwich-generation caregivers, with more than 25% reporting financial difficulties. Setting up a dedicated caregiving budget, as well as exploring potential tax deductions for dependents or medical expenses, can help alleviate the financial burden. (National Library of Medicine)

$12,662
The average balance owed by members of the sandwich generation with credit-card debt. And 40% of the sandwich generation surveyed say they have made a financial decision they regret due to stress. Try making self-care part of your routine. Even 10 minutes a day can help manage stress. (Business Wire)

3 out of 4
The amount of sandwich generation caregivers who have left a work shift early or unexpectedly to manage caregiving responsibilities. The 73% of people in this group have started to explore flexible work arrangements, family leave policies, or Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) options. (Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers)

70%
The percentage of adults age 65 and older who will need long-term care, with only 48% receiving the level of care they need. For the sandwich generation, it’s crucial to have proactive conversations about long-term care wishes, power of attorney, and advance directives before a crisis occurs. (Health and Human Services)

44
The average age of a sandwich generation caregiver to a Medicare beneficiary, making most of these members of Gen X and older millennials. This mid-career stage often coincides with peak earning years, making it especially important to work with a financial advisor who understands how caregiving impacts retirement planning. (AARP)

72%
The percentage of sandwich generation caregivers who have had to cut back on necessities such as food or medical care, or have pulled from their retirement savings. Even small contributions to retirement accounts during caregiving years can help, and catch-up contributions for those over 50 provide an opportunity to accelerate savings once caregiving responsibilities decrease. (Otsuka Caregiver Study)

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