Younger 'sandwich generation' forgets retirement amid caregiving

Key Points:

• The average age of "Sandwich Generation" caregivers, who care for both aging parents and children, has dropped to 34 years old, earlier than the typical 40s or 50s, according to Care.com's 2026 report, creating financial and emotional strain.
• Many caregivers feel unprepared for these dual responsibilities, with 69% starting earlier than expected and 80% experiencing a sudden transition, leading to significant impacts on career progression and retirement savings, especially among women.
• Societal shifts, such as having children later in life and grandparents providing childcare, contribute to the overlapping caregiving demands, often resulting in compounded crises when grandparents face health issues.
• The timing is financially challenging as caregivers are in prime earning years, with many reducing work hours or dipping into retirement funds, potentially jeopardizing their own financial futures and retirement plans.
• Experts recommend proactive financial planning, open family conversations about long-term care, workplace flexibility, and seeking support from resources like Care.com, AARP, and government programs to manage caregiving responsibilities effectively.