Flourish - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 45
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this in the US and found it
is common in midlife, with
more than half of Americans
in their 40s meeting
their de昀椀nition of being
“sandwiched” between an
older parent and children.
Even if the label feels very
American, the underlying
pressures are not. Across
many countries, more people
are living longer, having
children later, and relying
more on family for care.
Why it feels tougher than it used to
A few big forces are squeezing the
middle years.
1. Ageing populations and more complex
care needs: Longer lives can be a gift,
but it can also mean more years where
parents need support with health,
mobility, transport, or daily living.
2. Kids taking longer to “launch”:
Higher housing costs, longer study
pathways, and a tougher entry into
secure work can mean adult children
need help for longer.
3. Unpaid care is still not shared evenly:
Globally, women do signi昀椀cantly
more unpaid care work than men, on
average. The United Nations (UN)
Women estimates women do about
2.5 times more unpaid care work
per day. The International Labor
Organization (ILO) estimates unpaid
care responsibilities keep huge
numbers of women out of the labour
force worldwide. That matters because
it shapes who is most likely to cut
hours, turn down promotions, or carry
the invisible mental load.
4. Work has not magically slowed
down to make room for caring:
Many people are trying to maintain
performance at work while carrying
a second shift at home. This is where
burnout can creep in.
