Growing share of U.S. adults juggling children and aging parents feel overwhelmed
A new Pew Research Center survey shows that more U.S. adults are caring for both children and elderly parents, and many report high stress and career sacrifices.
According to a recent Pew Research Center report, more than half of Americans in their 40s and nearly half of those in their 50s are simultaneously caring for children and aging parents. Overall, one quarter of U.S. adults now fall into this “sandwich generation,” a rise of two points since the last survey. Care.com’s July poll reveals many are logging up to 24 hours of caregiving weekly, which translates into emotional exhaustion and career setbacks.
About 80% feel constantly overloaded by decisions, and a similar share say they need a break but lack a clear path to obtain one. Roughly two-thirds have concealed the extent of their responsibilities at work, while 55% declined promotions and another two-thirds curtailed career ambitions because of caregiving demands. Financial strain and severe stress are reported by the majority, and nearly all say caregiving caused them to miss important life events in the past year.
Why it matters
The expanding caregiving burden threatens workers' health and limits economic productivity.
In this story
