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Podcasts Take Two
Stuck in the middle: Life in the 'sandwich' generation
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Jul 15, 2015
Listen 7:58
Stuck in the middle: Life in the 'sandwich' generation
Despite its amusing moniker, being a ‘sandwiched’ parent isn't all that fun.
A lot of time and money has gone into trying to improve end-of-life care.
A lot of time and money has gone into trying to improve end-of-life care.
(
/iStockphoto
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Despite its amusing moniker, being a ‘sandwiched’ parent isn't all that fun.

A recent poll reveals that nearly one in 10 Americans are "sandwiched" That means they’re supporting a child, as well as providing regular care for an older parent or relative.

In addition, about 8 percent of American adults over the age of 40 are likely to become double-caregivers in the next five years.

The poll comes courtesy of the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Dealing with an aging loved one and a child can leave members of the sandwiched generation feeling a bit overextended. It’s hard enough to balance a career and be an attentive parent; add a rapidly declining relative to the mix and soon, free time may become virtually nonexistent.

Gerontologist and elder law attorney Susan Geffen shared more about the dilemmas many of her clients face.

Self-proclaimed "sandwiched" parent Teri Biebel also joined the program to talk about the challenges of caring for her aging mother, who lives four hours away. 

Click the play button above to hear more about the "sandwiched" generation.