(USA TODAY) -- The financial burdens on middle-aged caregivers -- the so-called "sandwich generation" -- are increasing, a new survey finds.
About
15% of U.S. adults in their 40s and 50s provided financial support to
both an aging parent and a child in 2012, according to a survey
of 2,511 adults from the Pew Social and Demographic Trends Project.
That's up from 12% in 2005. And almost half (47%) of those currently
raising or financially supporting a child have a parent 65 or older
still living, who may require support in the future.
But the
survey finds that more emphasis is on supporting grown children. About
48% of adults 40 to 59 provided financial support to grown children in
2012, findings show, up from 42% in 2005.
The increase reflects
economic challenges, says Kim Parker, a co-author of the report. "Grown
children are struggling to find jobs and establish themselves in the
economy."
But there is an upside, says Parker, an associate
director with the Pew Social and Demographic Trends Project. "The
middle-aged adults who are supporting their grown children financially
report that they have stronger emotional ties with those children."
Members
of the sandwich generation report feeling closer to their children than
to their parents, Parker adds. "Generations relying on each other may
create stronger ties."
Despite their growing burdens, middle-aged
caregivers are just as happy as other adults, the survey suggests. About
31% say they are very happy with their lives, compared with 28% of
other adults. But they are more likely to feel pressed for time: 31% of
those in the sandwich generation say they always feel rushed, compared
with 23% of other adults.
What happens to families when the burdens rain down?
Stephanie Coontz, director of research and public education of the Council on Contemporary Families,
a non-profit organization based at the University of Miami, says stress
can contribute to the deterioration of relationships. But she says many
families report that they are closer.
"We have developed much
higher standards of family relationships and much higher expectations of
family cooperation," adds Coontz, who was not involved in Pew's report.
"I wouldn't call that a silver lining, but I would call it an
umbrella."
Cathy Payne, USA TODAY