Sociology Now, Census Update

In earlier generations, parents hoped that they would live long enough to see their

children marry. Today they often live to see their grandchildren and great-grandchil-

dren marry (or establish domestic partnerships). But the increase in longevity and

the delay in childbearing means that many middle-aged adults find themselves in the

sandwich generation,caring for dependent children and aging parents at the same time.

For instance, say a woman has a child when she is 33 years old and her own mother is

63. She will have a toddler around the house during her mother’s retirement years, and
    a child requiring care as her mother requires care. When her child goes off to college,
    she will be 51 years old, and her mother will probably still be living at 81. The sand-
    wich generation is often stressed, worried, strapped, and squeezed. According to the
    General Social Survey, 70 percent felt stressed, compared to 61 percent of those with-
    out dual care responsibilities. On the other hand, 95 percent felt satisfied with their
    lives—about the same percentage as everyone else (General Social Survey, 2006).

Old Age

A hundred years ago, half of the population of the United States was under 23 years

old, and only 4 percent was 65 or older. But the number of older Americans has

increased dramatically: In 2009, they numbered 39.5 million, or more than 12.8

percent of the population (American Community Survey 2009). Between 1963 and 1976,

the postwar baby boom grew into the largest generation of adolescents and young adult-

sthat the world had ever seen, and the echoes from that baby boom continue to resound

across the United States and Europe (Figure 11.1). Jerry Gerber and his coauthors (1990)

argue that in the next few decades, the dramatic growth in the proportion of

356 CHAPTER 11AGE: FROM YOUNG TO OLD

Adult Children and Older Parents: The Sandwich Generation

Changes in the age of marriage and child rearing, coupled with increased life expectancy, have

led to a phenomenon known as the “sandwich generation” among baby boomers. This can be a

very stressful position with increased demands on one’s time, energy, finances, and emotional

resources. Most elderly people live either alone or with relatives, usually their grown children.

Fewer adults live in institutions like nursing homes, although with more social acceptability,

more elderly individuals are living in institutions. Other elderly people are homeless or living in

abject poverty. Elderly people living with adult children often live happy, full lives. Sometimes,

though, various stressors can lead to frustration and abuse. Most abuse of the elderly is

perpetrated by relatives, primarily by adult children. However, most caregivers do not abuse

their elderly charges. So, what do you think?

11.2

What

do

you

think

❍A good idea

❍A bad idea

❍Depends

As you know, many older people share a home with their grown children. Do you think this is generally

a good idea or a bad idea?

?

See the back of the chapter to compare your answers to national survey data.