Have you ever heard of the term sandwich generation? This term was first introduced by Dorothy A. Miller, in 1981 through her journal entitled "The 'Sandwich Generation: Adult Children of The Aging." Dorothy is a professor at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States. In her journal, Dorothy explained that sandwich or generation. the sandwich generation is a condition where adults who bear their children's lives, also still support their parents' lives.
In many cases, the sandwich generation includes the generation that has to support their parents or other family members. For those who are married, besides having to meet their own family needs, this generation must also support their parents or siblings. Then, does being the sandwich generation make the insurer's financial situation difficult? The answer is not necessarily. The sandwich generation is indeed produced because of the failure of the previous generation in financial planning. Parents of this generation usually do not prepare savings for retirement, so that when entering retirement there is no savings or investment that can be used as living expenses.
The Traditional Sandwich Generation
Generally, those who fall into this category are adults in their 40s or early 50s, who have to support their adult children but still need financial support. Then, on the other hand, they still have to take care of their elderly parents.
The Club Sandwich Generation
Some who fall into this category are adults in their 50s or 60s who are caught between taking care of elderly parents and their adult children, even including their grandchildren. This includes those who are in their 30s or 40s and have small children but must take care of their parents and grandparents.
Open-faced Sandwich Generation
Those who are involved in elderly care activities even though it is not their professional job (eg nursing home employees) fall into this category. It is estimated that there are about 25% of people who experience this phase in their life.
For those of the sandwich generation, usually, the pressure or problems don't just come from a financial standpoint. Communication is the main thing that must be straightened out so that misunderstandings do not occur. For those of you who are currently a sandwich generation, you shouldn't just focus on the existing problems. Try to find solutions to relieve stress and reduce financial burdens so that everything can go well.
If possible, you can also seek additional income as an alternative so that all the needs of your family, children, and parents are met. Being a sandwich generation is not easy, but you can still face it and decide so that the next generation doesn't experience the same thing.
