People who care for both their children and their parents see their physical and mental health deteriorate over time.
- People who dedicate time to helping their children and parents are called the sandwich generation.
- A study shows that their mental and physical health deteriorates over time,
- For researchers, it is essential to develop solutions to support these caregivers.
Age is not really a criterion for being part of the sandwich generation. You just have to take care of your aging parents while still having children to support. Piano lesson for the eldest, medical consultation for dad, orthodontist for the youngest, taxes for mom, homework for the youngest… For them, all these additional “appointments” must be integrated into the “metro, work, sleep” routine. . And, this ultimately very busy schedule weighs on the health of these “multigenerational” caregivers, according to a study by University College London.
Family: caregivers see their health decline
To assess the health of caregivers of the sandwich generation, British researchers surveyed 2,000 people who care for both their children (under 16) and their parents as well as 2,000 participants who do not have this type of responsibility. . The average age of caregivers was 36.8 years.
During this study conducted between 2009 and 2020, all volunteers regularly answered questionnaires assessing their physical and mental health. Caregivers were also asked to rate the time spent with their loved ones.
Analyzing the responses, UCL scientists found that people who had become the breadwinner experienced a significant decline in their mental health over time compared to others. This decline persisted over several years. Additionally, participants who spent more than 20 hours per week caring for their children and parents saw their physical health deteriorate during the years they were helping generations before and after.
Sandwich generation: we must help caregivers
“Our study highlights the significant mental and physical health challenges faced by caregivers of the sandwich generation. These individuals, who balance the demands of caring for both their children and aging parents, often experience a decline “It is crucial that we recognize and address the unique needs of this growing group to ensure their health and resilience.”explains the lead author of the study, Dr. Baowen Xue in a press release.
For the scientist whose article was published in the journal Public Healthresearch shows that it is essential to develop solutions that make the daily lives of members of the “sandwich generation” easier. She cites the example of better access to respite solutions or greater flexibility in the workplace.
