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#Society
The Sandwich Generation
Double-time for caregivers
Updated: 2025.03.24
3 min read · Intermediate
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The Sandwich Generation

As advancements in modern technology and healthcare lead to longer lifespans, a new challenge arises: the "sandwich generation." This group finds itself caught between the competing demands of caring for aging parents while also raising their own children. While the ability to live longer is undoubtedly a positive development, it brings with it a host of responsibilities that require a delicate balance of time, resources, and emotional energy.


Take Sarah, for example. A devoted mother in her mid-40s, she juggles the needs of her elderly parents with those of her teenage children. From managing doctor's appointments and financial matters for her parents to attending parent-teacher conferences and soccer games for her kids, Sarah’s days are a whirlwind [1] of caregiving and parenting duties. Like many in the sandwich generation, she experiences moments of exhaustion and overwhelm, but she also finds deep fulfillment in supporting her loved ones during their times of need.


At the heart of the sandwich generation experience lies the delicate balance between love and responsibility. It’s a journey shaped by sacrifice and selflessness, where individuals navigate the complex dynamics of multi-generational caregiving with grace and resilience [2]. For Sarah, this often means setting aside her own needs to ensure the well-being of her family, even when it feels like an uphill battle.


But the challenges faced by the sandwich generation go beyond logistics. There’s an emotional toll that comes with witnessing the decline of aging parents while also nurturing the growth and development of one’s children. It requires a balance of empathy and strength, as individuals strive to offer comfort and support to both the older and younger generations they care for.


The sandwich generation embodies [3] the timeless values of compassion [4], resilience, and familial love. It is a testament to the enduring bonds that connect us across generations and offers an opportunity for the older generation to connect with the newest.


As we continue navigating the complexities of modern life, let us honor and celebrate the unwavering [5] commitment of the sandwich generation, whose love knows no bounds.


중간에 끼인 "샌드위치 세대"

현대 기술과 의료의 발전으로 인간의 기대 수명이 길어지면서, “샌드위치 세대”라는 새로운 도전이 등장합니다. 이 그룹은 나이 든 부모를 돌보는 동시에 자녀를 양육해야 하는 경쟁적인 요구들 사이에 ‘끼어’ 있습니다. 더 오래 살 수 있다는 것은 확실히 긍정적인 발전이지만, 이로인해 시간, 자원, 감정적 에너지를 섬세하게 조율해야 하는 많은 책임이 따라왔습니다.

사라를 예로 들어 보겠습니다. 40대 중반의 헌신적인 어머니인 사라는 노년의 부모님과 십대 자녀들의 니즈를 동시에 돌보고 있습니다. 부모님의 병원 예약과 재정 문제를 관리하는 것부터 자녀들의 학부모 상담과 축구 경기에 참석하는 것까지, 사라의 일상은 돌봄과 양육의 의무로 가득 차 있습니다. 샌드위치 세대의 많은 사람들처럼 피로와 압박감을 느끼는 순간도 있지만, 사라는 사랑하는 사람들을 필요할 때 지원할 수 있다는 것에서 깊은 만족감을 찾습니다.

샌드위치 세대 경험의 핵심에는 사랑과 책임 사이의 섬세한 균형이 있습니다. 이는 희생과 이타심으로 정의되는 여정으로, 개인들이 다세대 돌봄의 복잡한 역학을 우아함과 회복력으로 헤쳐 나가는 과정입니다. 사라에게 이는 때때로 자신의 필요를 제쳐두고 가족 구성원의 안녕을 보장하는 것을 의미하며, 그것이 마치 험난한 싸움처럼 느껴질 때도 있습니다.

하지만 샌드위치 세대가 직면한 도전은 물리적인 문제를 넘어서 있습니다. 나이 든 부모님이 약해지시는 것을 지켜보면서 동시에 자녀들의 성장과 발전을 돌봐야 하는 데서 오는 감정적인 부담이 존재합니다. 이는 공감과 강인함의 균형을 요구하며, 개인들이 돌보는 나이 든 세대와 어린 세대 모두에게 위로와 지원을 제공하려고 노력할 때 발생하는 일입니다.

샌드위치 세대는 변함없는 연민, 회복력, 그리고 가족애의 가치를 구현합니다. 이는 세대를 초월하여 우리를 연결하는 지속적인 유대감을 증명하는 것이며, 나이 든 세대와 새로운 세대가 연결될 수 있는 기회를 제공합니다.

현대 생활의 복잡한 상황 속에서, 우리는 샌드위치 세대의 변함없는 헌신을 존경하고 기리며 축하해야 합니다. 그들의 사랑은 한계가 없습니다.

Articles
9 ways to manage sandwich-generation stress
Videos
Why the "sandwich generation" struggles to save for retirementExploring caregiving challenges facing the "sandwich generation"
Discussion Questions
Q1
In your own words, please briefly summarize the article.
여러분의 언어로 교재를 간단히 요약해 주세요.
Q2
What part of the reading resonated with you most?
이번 교재에서 가장 공감하는 내용은 무엇인가요?
Q3
Have you heard of the “Sandwich Generation” before? Can you relate to any aspects of the sandwich generation experience described in the article?
“샌드위치 세대”에 대해 들어본 적이 있나요? 글에서 설명된 샌드위치 세대의 경험 중 어떤 부분에 공감이 되나요?
Q4
How do you think cultural differences between South Korea and the United States may shape the experiences of individuals in the sandwich generation?
한국과 미국 간의 문화적 차이가 샌드위치 세대의 경험에 어떤 영향을 미칠 것이라고 생각하나요?
Q5
What are some of the pros and cons of being in the sandwich generation?
샌드위치 세대로서 사는 것의 장점과 단점은 무엇일까요?
Q6
Have you witnessed instances of intergenerational caregiving in your own family or community? If so, how have these experiences influenced your perspective on family dynamics?
자신의 가족이나 커뮤니티에서 세대 간 돌봄을 목격한 적이 있나요? 만약 그렇다면, 그 경험이 가족 내 관계에 대한 여러분의 생각에 어떤 영향을 미쳤나요?
Q7
What advice would you give to someone who is currently balancing caregiving responsibilities for both aging parents and young children?
현재 노부모와 어린 자녀를 돌보는 책임을 동시에 지고 있는 사람에게 어떤 조언을 해주고 싶나요?
Q8
How do you think the sandwich generation phenomenon may evolve in the future, considering factors such as demographic changes and societal shifts?
인구 변화와 사회적 변화 등을 고려했을 때, 샌드위치 세대 현상은 미래에 어떻게 발전할 것이라고 생각하나요?
Q9
Are there any policies or support systems that you believe could be implemented to better assist individuals in the sandwich generation?
샌드위치 세대에 있는 사람들을 더 잘 지원할 수 있도록 시행할 수 있는 정책이나 지원 시스템이 있다면 무엇이 있을까요?
Q10
Have you ever experienced feelings of guilt or resentment while navigating the demands of caregiving? How did you cope with these emotions?
돌봄 책임을 지면서 죄책감이 들거나 화가 난 적이 있나요? 그런 감정에 어떻게 대처했나요?
Q11
How do you think the sandwich generation experience differs for first-generation immigrants compared to individuals whose families have lived in the same country for generations?
첫 번째 세대 이민자와, 수세대 동안 같은 나라에 살았던 사람들의 샌드위치 세대 경험은 어떻게 다를 것이라고 생각하나요?
Q12
If you have a question or questions that you'd like to discuss during your class, please write them down.
궁금한 점이 있거나 수업 중에 얘기해 보고 싶은 질문이 있으면 적어주세요.
Expressions
whirlwind
a very fast and chaotic movement or series of events
Ví dụ
1

Her first week at the new job was a whirlwind of meetings and training.

Ví dụ
2

The whirlwind of emotions made it hard for him to think clearly.

resilience
the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or challenges
Ví dụ
1

Children often show great resilience when adapting to new environments.

Ví dụ
2

Her resilience helped her overcome many obstacles in her life.

embodies
to represent or express an idea, quality, or feeling in a visible or tangible way
Ví dụ
1

The Olympic spirit embodies friendship, respect, and excellence.

Ví dụ
2

His actions embody the values of kindness and honesty.

compassion
a deep feeling of sympathy and a desire to help those who are suffering
Ví dụ
1

She showed great compassion for the homeless by volunteering at the shelter.

Ví dụ
2

A good leader leads with both strength and compassion.

unwavering
steady and resolute, not changing or weakening
Ví dụ
1

She showed unwavering determination in achieving her goals.

Ví dụ
2

His unwavering support gave me the confidence to move forward.

본 교재는 당사 편집진이 제작하는 링글의 자산으로 저작권법에 의해 보호됩니다. 링글 플랫폼 외에서 자료를 활용하시는 경우 당사와 사전 협의가 필요합니다.

As advancements in modern technology and healthcare lead to longer lifespans, a new challenge arises: the "sandwich generation." This group finds itself caught between the competing demands of caring for aging parents while also raising their own children. While the ability to live longer is undoubtedly a positive development, it brings with it a host of responsibilities that require a delicate balance of time, resources, and emotional energy.


Take Sarah, for example. A devoted mother in her mid-40s, she juggles the needs of her elderly parents with those of her teenage children. From managing doctor's appointments and financial matters for her parents to attending parent-teacher conferences and soccer games for her kids, Sarah’s days are a whirlwind [1] of caregiving and parenting duties. Like many in the sandwich generation, she experiences moments of exhaustion and overwhelm, but she also finds deep fulfillment in supporting her loved ones during their times of need.


At the heart of the sandwich generation experience lies the delicate balance between love and responsibility. It’s a journey shaped by sacrifice and selflessness, where individuals navigate the complex dynamics of multi-generational caregiving with grace and resilience [2]. For Sarah, this often means setting aside her own needs to ensure the well-being of her family, even when it feels like an uphill battle.


But the challenges faced by the sandwich generation go beyond logistics. There’s an emotional toll that comes with witnessing the decline of aging parents while also nurturing the growth and development of one’s children. It requires a balance of empathy and strength, as individuals strive to offer comfort and support to both the older and younger generations they care for.


The sandwich generation embodies [3] the timeless values of compassion [4], resilience, and familial love. It is a testament to the enduring bonds that connect us across generations and offers an opportunity for the older generation to connect with the newest.


As we continue navigating the complexities of modern life, let us honor and celebrate the unwavering [5] commitment of the sandwich generation, whose love knows no bounds.


*This material is designed for the exclusive use of Ringle students on the Ringle platform.