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

Another potential hitch could come from family members — especially if you are in the sandwich generation, between children and aging parents who might need financial assistance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

She also often wrote about remarriage, parenthood and the strains on the so-called "sandwich generation", caring for both their children and their parents.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

Workers who tend to aging parents and have children at home, the so-called sandwich generation, report even higher levels of emotional and financial strain, according to AARP.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 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