Mount Pleasant Magazine May/June 2018

191 www.RetiringToSC.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.ReadMP.com senior living T he term “sandwich generation” is defined as people who are taking care of their parents while raising their children. There was a time when the sandwich generation was composed primarily of baby boomers born between 1943 and 1960, but that has changed. Actually, it’s difficult to determine exactly what age most of these people are. The sandwich generation was the first wave of caretakers to receive a label. Coined in 1981, the reference originally was for women in their mid-30s and 40s who were taking care of their children and parents simultaneously. Now, since we all tend to live longer, healthier lives, the age of members of the sandwich generation continues to move – but, for the most part, the gender remains the same. One of every eight Americans between the age of 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent, while between 7 and 10 million adults are caring for their aging parents from a long distance. Members of the sandwich generation must navigate many hurdles and deal with plenty of emotional pressures. The job of taking care of any family member brings with it many special issues, but taking care of aging parents has some exceptional challenges. It’s important to find support groups, talk to friends and network. The most important thing is to take care of your mental and physical health so you can take care of your loved ones. For a list of support groups in the Lowcountry assisting a variety of caregivers, visit the Hands on Health-South Carolina page: www.handsonhealth-sc.org/golocal/ golocal.php?t=1&nid=610&regnum=4&filter=L130. You also can check out www.therealmsoftime.com/thisg By Bill Macchio Lettuce Love One Another Understanding the Sandwich Generation Classic Charleston Homes in Five Premiere Mt. Pleasant Communities Customized New Homes Starting in the Mid $300’s The Retreat at River Reach • The Abbey at Park West • Covington at Park West • Oak Blu • Darrell Creek For more information: CrescentHomes.net • 843.466.5000