The Sandwich Generation: caring for parents, children, grandchildren, and ourselves
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Caught in the middle
The Sandwich Generation is a term for adults who care for aging parents while also supporting children or even grandchildren.
It is not merely an emotional image – it is the lived reality of millions of Americans. More than half of Americans in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s now help both their children and their parents (fun fact: over 100,000 Americans are over the age of 100 years old. In 1950, that number was only 2,300, and it is projected that in 2050 over 400,000 Americans will be centenarians.)
Pew Research data show that about 59% of adults in their 50s and 83% of those 60 and older are “sandwiched” between two generations, meaning that this status persists into what many would traditionally call the retirement years.
In 2024, 57% of 18 to 24‑year‑olds still lived at home, forcing parents to extend financial support long after their children reached adulthood.
This demographic pressure hits hardest among women. About 77% of family caregivers are women, many of whom report sleep problems and emotional stress. 88% say they need more support, but just over a third seek help. Caregivers frequently describe feelings of depression, burnout, and guilt. Working mothers in the sandwich generation are particularly stretched: a 2025 survey of 1,000 mothers found that half had left a job because of caregiving responsibilities. Nearly two‑thirds said employer benefits did not meet elder‑care needs, and 40% felt ostracized at work because of their caregiving role. The combination of career, child‑rearing, and elder‑care can erode financial security and personal well-being.
A hidden risk: falls and hip fractures
While caregivers focus on everyone else, they often overlook their own health. Falls are one of the most serious threats to independence for older adults, yet many sandwich‑generation members do not see themselves as “old enough” to worry about them.
The statistics tell a different story. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 300,000 hip‑fracture‑related hospitalizations occur each year due to falls among older adults. Falls accounted for 83% of hip‑fracture deaths and 88% of emergency department visits in 2019, and women experience roughly 70% of hip fractures. Broken hips are among the most severe fall injuries; recovery is difficult and many people lose their independence.
Specialists at UT Southwestern note that more than 300,000 U.S. seniors sustain hip fractures annually, 95% from falls. Worldwide, roughly 21% of older patients die within a year of a hip fracture. Only about half of patients regain full independence. Women are disproportionately affected: about 75% of hip‑fracture patients are women, and a 50‑year‑old woman faces a 2.8% lifetime risk of death related to hip fracture – almost equivalent to her risk of dying from breast cancer.
For the sandwich generation, these numbers are sobering. Even if prevention strategies – exercise, home modifications, and medication reviews – are diligently followed, accidents still happen. Middle‑aged adults juggling caregiving responsibilities and careers may put off their own health screenings and exercise, increasing their risk of osteoporosis or muscle weakness. Recognizing this risk is the first step toward protecting oneself.
The Smart Hip Guardian: a proactive safety net
Briggs Health Solutions has developed the Smart Hip Guardian to address the inevitable moment when a fall occurs despite prevention measures. The device is a smart‑sensing belt that can distinguish between everyday movements and a true fall. If a fall is detected, it deploys an airbag before impact, cushioning the hips and absorbing much of the force, but not so inflated that it leads to bouncing or a hard hit. Unlike bulky hip‑protective garments, the Smart Hip Guardian is lightweight and discreet – about the size of a fanny pack – and features a quick‑snap buckle so it doesn’t interfere with daily activities. Over 25,000 tests, including an 18‑month dynamic fall study at the University of Pittsburgh, have demonstrated its effectiveness. Third‑party testing by National Technical Systems confirms that the belt reduces impact forces. Dr. Bruce Myers, medical director of a rehabilitation department, calls it “a game changer for the future of geriatric health care and safety [and] can help prevent hip fractures, preventing suffering and saving lives.”
The device pairs with a companion smartphone app that alerts caregivers if a fall occurs and provides information on when and how it happened. It also monitors the belt’s charge status so users and family members know it is ready to protect. For busy sandwich‑generation caregivers, this peace of mind is invaluable. A belt that looks like an ordinary accessory can be worn under a blazer in the office or over casual clothes while babysitting grandchildren. It offers personal protection without broadcasting vulnerability.
Why it matters for the sandwich generation
The concept of “being old” is more myth than math.
Many sandwich‑generation members work full‑time, manage households, and supervise their children’s education while coordinating doctor visits for parents. In the process, they may underestimate their own vulnerability.
Yet statistics show that by their 50s and 60s – ages when sandwich‑generation responsibilities peak – people are increasingly likely to fall. The cumulative stress of caregiving, reduced sleep, and less time for exercise can weaken muscles and impair balance. Even a simple ground‑level trip can have catastrophic consequences.
Adopting protective technology like the Smart Hip Guardian early can help bridge the gap between feeling “too young to be old” and acknowledging the realities of aging. It empowers caregivers to continue leading active lives – whether running a business, serving in public office, or teaching algebra – without fearing that a fall will upend their autonomy. It also eases the emotional burden on children and spouses who worry about a loved one living alone or moving quickly between tasks.
Conclusion
Being part of the sandwich generation is both a privilege and a challenge.
Caring for parents, children, and sometimes grandchildren creates deep intergenerational bonds but also imposes time, financial, and health stresses.
As this demographic grows, its members must look beyond stereotypes of “old age” and proactively safeguard their own health.
Falls and hip fractures are not just issues for the octogenarians we see on television telling kids to get off their lawn; they are a pressing concern for anyone balancing midlife responsibilities. Incorporating comprehensive prevention strategies, staying physically active, and considering innovative protection like the Smart Hip Guardian can ensure that caregivers remain healthy enough to support the people who depend on them – without sacrificing their own independence.
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SOURCES:
https://www.seniorliving.org/caregiving/sandwich-generation/
https://www.hrdive.com/news/caregiver-employee-benefits/749650/
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/prevention/index.html
https://utswmed.org/medblog/hip-fractures-seniors/
And of course: https://www.briggshealthsolutions.com/