The students conducted a survey of 60 baby boomers representing a variety of demographics. The survey results indicate that parental caregiving may be more challenging for this group of adult children than it was for the prior generation. The majority of respondents were between ages 45 and 64, representing the baby boomer generation born between 1946 and 1964. Our study supported data published by the Economic and Social Research Council in 2008 that showed family responsibilities among boomers have increased rather than decreased. [1] For example, a majority of the sample (58%) reported having a minor child for whom they were responsible, and a majority of the same sample (64%) reported having an aging parent for whom they were providing care. Furthermore, improvements in life expectancy mean that a greater number of baby boomers, even in their late 50s, will have a parent still living. Our survey supports the suggestion that more baby boomers will be members of the “Sandwich Generation,” i.e., middle-aged adults providing care to both their minor children and their aging parents at the same time. [2]
Because middle-aged baby boomers are likely to still be employed, caregiving for their parents
(as well as for their children, if they have them) will also present a time constraint. In our study, almost all the
respondents were employed (93%) and most (78%) were working 40 hours or more per week.Of those who had cared for or were currently caring for an aging parent, more than half the respondents
(66%) reported spending 10 or more hours per week and a quarter (26%) reported spending 20 or more hours
per week caring for the parent.
Adding to the challenge of caregiving for aging parents, baby boomers are finding themselves responsible
for relatives who may live some distance away from them. More so now than in the past, baby boomers
have moved away from their hometowns to take jobs, while their retired parents have headed to
warmer climates. [3] In our study, although most respondents lived within an hour’s travel time from their
parent(s), more than a third (36%) lived farther away.
The challenges of dual caregiving burdens, time limitations, and lack of convenient proximity to
aging parents are not new for middle-aged adults. However, our results do support the premise that
baby boomers are having and will continue to have greater difficulty grappling with these issues
than their predecessors did.
At AZA Care Management and Home Care, our skilled professionals are well aware of these
issues as we work on a daily basis with adult children who are struggling with
similar challenges. We look forward to hearing your feedback on our study, as
well as continuing the very important work of supporting this unique generation
of caregivers.
[1] Joseph F. Coughlin. “Creating Products to Relieve ‘Sandwiched Boomers’.” National Underwriter. Life & Health
3 Oct. 2005: ABI/INFORM Global, ProQuest. Web 9 Nov. 2009.[2] The Boston Globe 16 Nov. 2009, Health and Fitness section. Boston.com Web.
.
[3] Susan B. Garland. “Faraway Relatives Turning to Geriatric Experts.” The New York Times
19 Jan. 2003,Late Edition (East Coast): Banking Information Source, ProQuest. Web. 9 Nov. 2009.
