Gen X: the New Sandwich Generation

Gen X is facing a caregiver challenge: the sandwich generation squeeze of caring for aging parents while raising children and managing careers. However, the rise in dementia among aging Baby Boomers, their parents, adds another layer of complexity to an already complex situation.

Who are Generation X?

Currently, there are roughly 65 million Gen Xers in the US. They were born between 1965 and 1980. Today they are between 41 and 56 years old. They make up 16% of the U.S. population and 31% of the workforce. Their parents are typically Baby Boomers. Their children are Millennials and Gen Z.

How can we help support the Gen X’ers in their caregiving roles?

Education!

In addition to learning more about general caregiving, Gen X must learn all about dementia.

Current dementia stats (From Report below)

• 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia today.

• This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060.

• Alzheimer's is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.

• Alzheimer's remains the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older.

• More than 11 million family members provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in 2023.

Paula Muller, Ph.D. has taken the time to create a research brief titled “Why does Gen X need to know about dementia?”

Here’s the link.

Here is the link to the Alzheimer's Association 2024 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures.

Take a look and share with your Gen X colleagues, family and friends.