New Survey Reveals the Hidden Strain on America's Sandwich Generation
MWN-AI** Summary
A recent survey by Finance of America shines a light on the increasing challenges faced by the "Sandwich Generation," individuals aged 40-60 who are responsible for caring for both aging parents and children. The survey reveals that one-third of this demographic reports feeling significant emotional, physical, and financial strain in balancing these dual caregiving roles. Notably, men experience heightened financial pressure, while women are more likely to shoulder emotional and physical burdens.
Kristen Sieffert, President of Finance of America, emphasized the growing strain caused by macroeconomic factors, including inflation. She suggests that open conversations about family finances can significantly alleviate caregiver stress, enabling improved navigation of these responsibilities.
Key findings from the survey indicate alarming levels of exhaustion among self-identified sandwich caregivers. Emotional exhaustion increased from 79% in 2022 to 86%, while physical exhaustion rose from 71% to 80%. Financial fatigue also surged from 64% to 69%. Furthermore, 76% of respondents reported grappling with fears connected to caregiving, primarily driven by health-related concerns.
The impact of caregiving on career and life choices is also pronounced. A significant 26% of adults report having to choose between their job and caring for parents, a figure that jumps to 57% among those who feel particularly sandwiched. Delays in life events, such as home ownership and marriage, are common, affecting 21% of adults overall and 45% of sandwich caregivers.
Importantly, transparent financial discussions can lessen the burden, with 60% of adults stating they would feel less overwhelmed by having honest conversations about their parents' finances. With many parents not anticipating their longevity, these discussions can help families to focus on what truly matters, easing the emotional and financial strains of caregiving.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent survey by Finance of America highlights the increasing strain on the Sandwich Generation—individuals aged 40-60 who are balancing the dual responsibilities of caring for both aging parents and children. As financial analysts, it is crucial to acknowledge how these pressures can profoundly impact the economic landscape and individual financial well-being.
With one-third of respondents reporting significant emotional, physical, and financial strain, it is evident that the current macroeconomic conditions—especially rising inflation—are exacerbating this situation. Notably, 80% of sandwich caregivers report physical exhaustion, and 69% experience financial fatigue, which directly affects their professional productivity and long-term financial planning. As 57% of those who feel ‘sandwiched’ consider sacrificing their careers for caregiving responsibilities, companies may see a shift in workforce dynamics as this demographic prioritizes family obligations over job stability.
Investors should recognize the potential market shifts as this trend continues. There could be increased demand for products and services that support both caregivers and their families. Companies focusing on health care, financial planning resources, and elder care services may experience growth as the need for such services escalates. Additionally, firms providing psychological support and counseling may also gain a competitive edge, capitalizing on the emotional challenges highlighted by the survey.
On a personal finance level, open communication surrounding finances emerged as a crucial strategy for alleviating stress among sandwich caregivers. This reinforces the importance of financial literacy and planning for families, urging financial advisory firms to tailor their offerings to incorporate holistic family financial strategies.
In summary, those within the sandwich generation are navigating unprecedented challenges, presenting investors with opportunities in relevant sectors while prompting a need for enhanced financial education and planning. Adapting to these social dynamics will prove essential for both consumers and investors alike.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Finance of America survey pinpoints pressures and steps Gen X can take to navigate sandwich caregiving
A new survey from Finance of America uncovers the growing challenges faced by the “Sandwich Generation,” a segment of Americans caring for both aging parents and children. One-third of Americans aged 40-60 report feeling significant emotional, physical, and financial strain as they try to balance these dueling responsibilities. Within this group, men feel more financial pressure and women are more inclined to bear emotional and physical caregiving burdens.
“The emotional and financial strain of caring for parents and children at the same time is real—and growing. Macroeconomic pressures such as inflation have placed increased pressure on sandwich caregivers during their peak earning years,” said Kristen Sieffert, President at Finance of America. “But amid that strain, there are steps caregivers can take to alleviate stress and set a path forward. Our survey shows that honest conversations about family finances can make a meaningful difference.”
The Sandwich Generation is Really Struggling
Caring for parents may not take as many hours as caring for a child, but the emotional and physical toll is often the same or greater. 29% of respondents expect their parents to move in with them as they age and 29% of respondents’ parents have asked for help with expenses. More than three-quarters of those who feel sandwiched report being emotionally, physically, and financially exhausted as they navigate the fears and responsibilities of caring for a parent.
Key findings among self-identified sandwich caregivers:
- 86% are emotionally exhausted caring for parents, up from 79% in 2022.
- 80% are physically exhausted caring for parents, up from 71% in 2022.
- 69% feel financially exhausted, up from 64% in 2022.
- 76% struggle with the fears and emotions associated with caring for a parent, up from 70% in 2022. These pressures are largely driven by health concerns.
Sandwich Caregiving Can Impact Career and Life Planning
A quarter of adults feel they have to choose between their career and caring for parents. Among respondents who feel ‘sandwiched,’ this trend more than doubles. And 1 in 5 have delayed a life event because of caring for their parents.
The feeling of being sandwiched can shape major life decisions:
- 26% of adults feel they have to choose between parental caregiving responsibilities and their job, rising to 57% among those who feel sandwiched.
- 21% of adults have delayed life events because of caring for a parent, rising to 45% among those who feel sandwiched – home ownership and marriage are the most common things delayed.
Open Communication Can Help Ease the Burden
Financial obligations drive a lot of the stress in caring for parents, but there’s one action that makes a difference: open conversations about parents’ finances. While only 39% of respondents have discussed their parents’ financial needs with them in the last year, transparency does help families worry less, feel less overwhelmed, and focus on what matters most.
26% of respondents’ parents mentioned that they hadn’t planned on living this long, which creates added strain on both aging parents and their adult caregivers. If they were to have an honest conversation about their parents’ finances:
- 60% of adults say they would feel less overwhelmed.
- 63% of adults say they would worry less.
- 84% of adults say it would help their family focus on what matters most.
About Finance of America
Finance of America Reverse LLC dba Finance of America (NMLS 2285 Equal Housing Opportunity) is a modern retirement solutions platform that provides customers with access to an innovative range of retirement offerings centered on the home and is the consumer brand and reverse mortgage operating subsidiary of its parent company, Finance of America Companies Inc. (NYSE: FOA). In addition to the reverse mortgage business, Finance of America Companies offers capital markets and portfolio management capabilities primarily to optimize the distribution of its originated loans to investors. Finance of America is headquartered in Plano, Texas. For more information, please visit www.financeofamericacompanies.com .
Methodology
This survey by HarrisX was conducted online within the United States from November 29 – December 1, 2025, among 2,009 U.S. adults who are between 40– 60 years old.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251216970903/en/
Media Contacts
For Finance of America Media Relations: pr@financeofamerica.com
For Finance of America Investor Relations: ir@financeofamerica.com
FAQ**
How does Finance of America Companies Inc. Class A FOA plan to address the growing financial strain experienced by the Sandwich Generation, as highlighted in their recent survey results?
What specific products or services does Finance of America Companies Inc. Class A FOA offer to assist the Sandwich Generation in managing their caregiving responsibilities and associated financial pressures?
In light of the survey findings, what strategies is Finance of America Companies Inc. Class A FOA implementing to encourage open conversations about financial planning among families dealing with sandwich caregiving?
Given the increasing emotional and financial exhaustion reported, how does Finance of America Companies Inc. Class A FOA intend to support stakeholders in navigating the caregiving landscape effectively?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Finance of America Companies Inc. Class A (NYSE: FOA).
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