Baby boomers GENX GENY GENZ is a term referring to a group of people of different ages. But there is another word that has become familiar to us: “Sandwich Generation”. Who is this group of people? It may not come as a surprise to find that we are one of them.
 

Who is the Sandwich Generation group?

In a more general sense, “Sandwich Generation” refers to a group of people who are stuck in the middle between elderly parents and their children who are dependent. It's like filling in the middle of a sandwich with the burden of taking care of parents and their children in both financial daily lives. Therefore, the Sandwich Generation is not limited to any generation. If anyone must take care of both the elderly parents and children were all classified in this group. The sandwich groups in each country may not have the same age. For example, the Philippines will be a group of people aged 30-35 years, but in the UK Most of them have an average age of about 45-54 years, while in Thailand, they are in the range of 40-50 years.

Factors that contributed to the high average age of the sandwich group come from having a late child and having a longer life. And may find a case called "Triple-Decker Sandwich" that a group of people aged about 60 years must take care of their grandchildren. instead of children who must go to work at the same time, he takes care of his elderly parents in their 80-90s.

What does Sandwich Generation have to face?

· Pressure from family care duties: Caring for both the elderly and the growing children brings a large burden of expenses. Both the health care of the parent’s child's tuition does not include living expenses, daily expenses. Especially if in a big city where the cost of living is high. The cost here will only continue to rise. Affects the stress of working age to earn money to support the family.

· Balance work and family life: Especially when you have to work hard to earn money into the house. It would result in obscuring the time spent with family. Elderly parents need help. And young children need care and attention. People in the Sandwich Generation feel embarrassed and guilty about not being able to balance work and family life.

· Deterioration in mental health: from having to bear heavy responsibility And with the two situations mentioned above, it is difficult for the Sandwich Generation to avoid high tension. until the risk of health problems and violent conflicts with members of the household.

· They haven't been able to follow their goals: with the obligation to take care of the needs of the family before himself Even in the short term it seems good. But in the long run, it will lead to fatigue, discouragement, and discouragement that don't have time for themselves and can't do what they want to do.

How will the Sandwich Generation survive?
 

Everyone wants to take full care of their parents, give the best to the child, and have a good life. But how do we make these three needs a reality? Although it can be difficult to do. But we must try as hard as possible. Recommend 4 practical approaches.

·  Open minded to talk about finances: Talking about finances has never been easy. Part of the stress a person must take care of the whole family comes from not communicating to others the heavy financial burden they carry. Being open-minded will help you feel that what you're carrying is lighter. However, the discussion should clearly state how much we can take care of everyone. It's about managing family expectations to stay true and helping to find a solution.

·  Buy life insurance: Choose a life insurance / health insurance plan that the conditions are suitable for yourself and your family in the ability that we can pay the premium. As a guarantee in the event of an emergency, whether due to an accident or illness. Because we can withdraw compensation from insurance or if an unexpected event occurs Death benefits continue to be family capital.

· Savings for retirement: Planning for retirement savings is a top priority. Especially when we must take care of the other two generations. Start collecting money early This will allow time for investments to grow faster. The collection plan must be weighed against other expenses, such as your parents' medical expenses. and money for children's education. However, if able to collect their own retirement funds We can take care of ourselves in old age. This reduces financial problems that will be passed on to the next generation.

· Seek professional help: If we are not familiar with the balance between caring for elderly parents and everyday tasks. Opting for a professional caregiver is also an attractive option for those who can pay. Might start with a part-time assistant. to help take care of some duties. For example, helping to take parents to the doctor for appointments. take care of food, Primary care, etc., which can help ease the stress of everyday life.

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Sources
https://iswitch.com.sg/singapore-sandwich-generation-how-to-overcome-the-struggle-and-master-the-juggle/
https://www.homage.sg/resources/sandwich-generation/
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210128-why-the-sandwich-generation-is-so-stressed out#:~:text=In%20the%20broadest%20sense%2C%20the,whether%20financially%2C%20physically%20or%20emotionally.
https://www.marketingoops.com/news/biz-news/sandwich-generation-middle-age-population/