sandwich generation

American  

noun

1. the generation of people still raising their children while having to care for their aging parents.

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Etymology

Origin of sandwich generation

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Tina Sadarangani is in the sandwich generation, with kids at home and aging relatives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

"It's being that sandwich generation, where you're between incontinent toddlers and incontinent OAPs – and it's nappies at both ends."

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

After all, the sandwich generation, which generally includes Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, are the first in many decades to enter retirement without widespread access to a pension.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 16, 2025

And when I think about that, I think about this sandwich generation, right?

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2023

The concept of the sandwich generation needs to change, said Patty David, vice president of consumer insights at AARP.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2023