It's a generational thing.

Yes, it really is a "generational thing".  

We've got the GI Generation:  (born 1901-1927) those who grew up during the Great Depression and went on to fight in World War II.  (Believe it or not, some of these folks are still very much alive!)  Growing up during the Depression, everything was conserved/saved and nothing went to waste. Pennies were pinched and dollars stretched.  No frivolous spending!

Then there are the Baby Boomers:  (born 1946-1964) 76 million children of the GI Generation were born during the Post WWI War baby boom. This generation is closely associated with a rejection of or redefinition of traditional values. Health, wealth and prosperity belong to this generation.    Surplus, excess and mid-life crises.  "Sex, drugs and rock and roll." 

On January 1st, 2011 the very first Baby Boomers turned 65.  That's about 20 million people.

Today, America's seniors are living longer and the cost of health care is rising dramatically. And so, it's going to be pretty expensive to take care of all the retiring Baby Boomers.  

The Sandwich Generation (and I'm not talking PB&J):  this is the generation of adults who are taking care of elderly parents while still supporting their own children.  1 of every 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent, in addition to between 7 to 10 million adults caring for their aging parents from a long distance.  

Carol Abaya categorized the different scenarios involved in being a part of the sandwich generation.

• Traditional: those sandwiched between aging parents who need care and/or help and their own children.
• Club Sandwich: those in their 50s or 60s sandwiched between aging parents, adult children and grandchildren, or those in their 30s and 40s, with young children, aging parents and grandparents.
• Open Faced: anyone else involved in elder care

TIP:  Knowing the history and 'culture' of each generation may give a little insight to why our parents, grandparents, friends, acquaintances and older adults act the way they do. (But it doesn't explain everything!)  And learning there are resources available to those in the Sandwich Generation to help with the care of their elderly loved ones.

For more information on how A Stress-Less Transition, LLC can help you, please visit our website.