Six in the morning. The alarm goes off. Preparing breakfast for the kids, school, work. At two in the afternoon, a phone call: “Mom, how are you? Did you take your medication?” At six in the evening, the children’s tutoring lessons. At nine at night, another call: “Dad, did you eat something?” And somewhere around midnight, the thought: “When was the last time I didn’t feel this anxious trying to keep up with everything?”
This daily reality does not concern just a few people. It concerns millions around the world and thousands in Greece. People in the middle of their lives who are simultaneously caring for two generations: their children and their parents.
A generation in the middle
In international literature, it is called the “Sandwich Generation.” The term describes adults who are caught between two generations that depend on them. On one side, their children — who need care, financial support, and guidance. On the other side, their parents — who are facing the challenges of aging and increasingly need assistance.
According to the Pew Research Center (2022), about 23% of adults in the U.S. belong to this category. The percentage rises dramatically in the 40–49 age group, reaching 54%. In other words, more than half of people in this age range are caring for both parents and children at the same time.
Why this is happening now
This phenomenon is not random. It is the result of three major factors:
Increased life expectancy. People are living longer. This is positive — but it also means spending more years at ages when care may be needed.
Delayed parenthood. More people are having children after 35. This means that while their children are still young, their own parents are already at an age where they may require support.
Smaller families. Only children or families with two children are now the norm. This means fewer people are available to share responsibility for elderly parents.
How much time does it really take?
Caring for parents is not a one-hour-a-week commitment. According to AARP research (2025), family caregivers spend an average of 27 hours per week on caregiving activities. Twenty-four percent spend more than 40 hours, essentially a full second job.
What does this time include?
- Accompanying them to medical appointments and tests
- Managing medications and treatment plans
- Grocery shopping, banking, bill payments
- Cleaning and organizing the home
- Preparing meals
- Emotional support and companionship
- oordinating with doctors and other professionals
And all of this on top of work responsibilities, children, and household duties.
The hidden cost
Beyond time, there is also a financial cost. Research shows that family caregivers spend an average of about $7,200 per year out of pocket on care-related expenses — roughly 26% of their annual income. But the financial impact doesn’t stop there.
According to the same AARP research:
- 56% of working caregivers arrive late, leave early, or take time off
- 18% reduce work hours or shift to part-time
- 9% stop working entirely
- 22% take on additional debt
- 31% use short-term savings
- 19% delay or struggle to pay bills
And there is another cost — one that isn’t measured in money but is felt every day
The psychological dimension
Caregiving carries a heavy psychological toll. According to AARP, 64% of family caregivers experience moderate to high emotional stress, while 45% report moderate to high physical strain. Additionally, 24% say they feel lonely, and 20% rate their overall health as fair or poor. Behind these percentages are people who:
- Feel constantly tired
- Can’t remember the last time they truly relaxed
- Feel guilty that they’re not doing enough — neither for their children nor for their parents
- Have set aside their own interests and hobbies
- Have no time to take care of their own health
Why they don’t see it
Interestingly, many caregivers recognize they need help but struggle to seek it. Nearly 39% say respite care would be very helpful. Yet only 13% have actually used it. Furthermore, only 11% have received any formal training for their caregiving role. Why this gap?
They believe it’s temporary. “Once this month passes, things will get better.” But the next month brings new challenges. .
They haven’t named it.They don’t see themselves as “caregivers.” They’re simply doing “what needs to be done.”
They feel guilty. “How can I complain? My parents raised me.” Cultural expectations around family care can prevent people from asking for help.
They don’t know where to get help. Many are unaware that services are available to support — not replace — the care they provide
What happens when this stressful conditions continue?
Chronic exhaustion is not something people simply “get used to.” It has real consequences:
Health: Caregivers show higher rates of cardiovascular issues, hypertension, and weakened immune systems.
Relationships: Constant pressure affects family relationships — with children, partners, and even the parent being cared for.
Work: Reduced productivity, frequent absences, and difficulty concentrating impact career progression.
Self-identity: Many caregivers report that they have “lost themselves” in their responsibilities.
There is another way of going through this
Caring for your parents does not have to mean giving up your own life. And it doesn’t have to be a choice between “doing everything alone” or “placing them in an institution.”
There are intermediate solutions that allow older adults to remain in their own homes, maintain their independence, and receive the support they need.
Worryla Seniors Wellness is one such solution. It is not medical care — it is a companionship, cognitive empowerment, and at-home wellness program. It includes activities that keep seniors active, social, and engaged: memory games, creative activities, safe walks, and genuine companionship.
Each program is designed by a certified psychologist and tailored to the individual needs of the senior. Families receive regular updates and have access to counseling support.
Recognizing that you need support means taking responsibility — for caring properly for your loved one, and for yourself.
If you are interested in a free informational appointment, contact us.
Call us! +30 210 700 2000 | From 09:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
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Sources
Pew Research Center. (2022, April 8). More than half of Americans in their 40s are “sandwiched” between an aging parent and their own children. Pew Research Center.
AARP, & National Alliance for Caregiving. (2025). Caregiving in the U.S. 2025. AARP Public Policy Institute.
AARP. (2021). Caregiving out-of-pocket costs study. AARP Public Policy Institute.
