Some Good News for Sandwich-Generation Caregivers

"We are neuronally wired to help each other, so acts of altruism trigger the release of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Cross-generational caretaking can help us feel like we have repaid a debt we never thought we could repay. Family connections usually become strengthened when siblings help each other care for their parents, and we feel part of a greater group."

"Despite caretaker fatigue, the financial squeeze, and role-strain guilt, most of my patients tell me that all this caretaking is not having a negative effect on their psychological or physical health. Research findings suggest the same conclusion. In fact, there seem to be many benefits resulting from all this caretaking."

"Life expectancy has increased, so it's often not only our young children and our parents we care for, but also grandparents and even great-grandparents who may be alive and need care. Because the cost of higher education and daily life has also increased, our grown children and their children—our grandchildren—and our partners' parents and relatives may also need our financial help and emotional support."

The sandwich generation concept, originally describing those caring for children and aging parents simultaneously, has expanded significantly due to increased life expectancy and economic pressures. Modern caregivers often support multiple generations—children, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents—while managing financial constraints and job anxiety. Despite caretaker fatigue and stress, research indicates caregiving produces substantial psychological and physical health benefits. Altruistic acts trigger serotonin release, strengthening family connections and creating feelings of repaying generational debts. Shared resources and collaborative caregiving among siblings enhance competence and control, while helping others provides insight into future life stages for both caregivers and care recipients.

Read at Psychology Today