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My mom, bless her heart, turns 80 next year. I worry about her. My sister lives with her while my mom cares for my nephews, which she’s done for the past 20 years or so. I think it’s time for her to hang up her apron-strings and relax already. This is not how she envisioned retirement but the reality is things have changed. She's part of the 'sandwich generation' .
These Ain't Your Dad's Golden Years
Ah, the Golden Years. I imagined that my retirement would be a care-free time, sackfuls of chances to do the exciting things I put off while raising a family. You know, like travel and perfecting my cooking. Well, turns out that might a fantasy. Over 34 million baby boomers (and mature adults) are squished by on both sides- caring for children and aging parents. Seems like care-giving never ends and I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s just bewildering.
These Numbers Don't Add Up to Leisure!
Did you know over 50% of people in their 60-70s provide financial support to their children? Me, neither. Or, that a quarter of folks over 70 lend a hand with household chores like cooking, cleaning and shopping to a relative or friends, according to studies? That might not be any different than earlier generations, but it feels different because families are so geographically far-flung.
Hope to Cope
Since I can’t convince my mom to move in with me- no matter how many times I’ve begged her over the years- I’m starting to line up resources to help us both cope with what’s ahead. Sites like Caring.com are emerging businesses devoted to ‘elderhood’. Even remotely, I can make a difference in my mom's daily life.
I was also thrilled to discover entrepreneurs like Katherine Freund who are developing services that allow elders to be active, social and independent. Freund runs the national Independent Transportation Network , which is like a ‘ride bank’ for non-driving seniors. You can pay to have someone drive your loved one or volunteer to drive and bank those hours for your own family. Like my plan for my blog, , Katherine took a passion of her own and turned it into a business that helps others. That’s the brand of creative problem-solving we all need to find solutions that work for our families.
What are you doing to take care of your loved ones without ending up like a smushed PBJ sandwich?
Share your elder care solution here
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