medium

Baby Boomers and Gen Xer’s had better get used to this complex reality, because their generations are moving from being the Sandwich Generation to becoming the Boxed Generation. The term “sandwich generation” was first used in 1981 by social worker Dorothy Miller to describe the multi-faceted stress that people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s faced as they served as caregivers to both their aging parents as well as their children.

As Baby Boomers and then Gen Xer’s move into their 50’s, 60’s, and beyond, they and their spouses, friends, siblings, and cousins are increasingly likely to face more serious health challenges. It’s not just the pressure from the generations above and below — now you’re surrounded on all sides. We coined the term “Boxed Generation” to graphically depict the position many of us find ourselves in as we try to offer support to all of the people in our lives who need us.

We know the Sandwich Generation will be replaced by the Boxed Generation for the straightforward reason that our population is living longer and many health problems that used to be deadly have become chronic diseases.

Read more on Medium.

This is an external article from our library

Everyone is talking about caregiving, but it can still be difficult to find meaningful information and real stories that go deep. We read (and listen to and watch and look at) the best content about caregiving and bring you a curated selection.

Have a great story about care work? Use our contact form to submit it to us so we can share it with the community!

Related Articles

Popular categories

Finances
Burnout
After Caregiving
Housing
Relationships
Finding Meaning
Planning
Dying
Finding Support
Work
Grief

Don't see what you're looking for? Search the library

Share your thoughts

0 Comments

Share your thoughts and experiences

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Join our communities

Whenever you want to talk, there’s always someone up in one of our Facebook communities.

These private Facebook groups are a space for support and encouragement — or getting it off your chest.

Join our newsletter

Thoughts on care work from Cori, our director, that hit your inbox each Monday morning (more-or-less).

There are no grand solutions, but there are countless little ways to make our lives better.

Share your insights

Caregivers have wisdom and experience to share. Researchers, product developers, and members of the media are eager to understand the nature of care work and make a difference.

We have a group specifically to connect you so we can bring about change.