The term "sandwich generation" describes adults, typically in their 30s to 50s, who are simultaneously raising their own children while also caring for aging parents, financially, physically, or both at once.

Social worker Dorothy Miller is credited with coining the term in 1981 to describe this squeeze between two generations of dependents, a pattern that has become more common as life expectancy rises and people have children later in life.

Caught Between Two Generations

Why the Pressure Keeps Growing

The strain is not only financial. Many in the sandwich generation report significant time pressure and emotional stress from juggling school pickups, work responsibilities, and a parent's medical appointments within the same week.

In extended-family cultures common across the Gulf and wider Arab world, elder care has traditionally been shared informally within the household, which can ease some of the burden but does not remove the time and emotional pressure entirely, especially when caregivers also work full time.

Sources

  1. Pew Research Center
  2. AARP
  3. American Psychological Association

FAQ

Where does the term "sandwich generation" come from?

Social worker Dorothy Miller is generally credited with coining the term in 1981 to describe adults caring for both their own children and aging parents at the same time.

Why is the sandwich generation growing?

Rising life expectancy and people having children later in life mean more adults now overlap child-rearing years with parent-caregiving years than in previous generations.

Does extended family reduce the burden?

Sharing elder care within an extended household can ease some of the load, but time pressure and emotional stress often remain significant, particularly for caregivers who also work full time.

About the Author

We reference Pew Research Center, AARP, American Psychological Association to explain the background and current understanding of this topic.

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