The Sandwich and Boomer Generation ’s Dilemma

Are you like us, part of the sandwich generation? We all likely know and help an aging family member, friend, or neighbor who has health issues, few community supports, and lives alone or with someone else who needs support. We also have our own concerns about one day facing the same challenges, or not being able to choose where we live. But we also aspire to have a quality of life that is not solely defined by our health status. The Boomer generation is unprecedented in size, living well and longer into older years, but when frailty occurs and supports are needed, many older adults find that there are few informal and formal caregiver supports available, and that those that do exist are financially out of reach. Compounding the problem, oftentimes one’s living circumstances may lead to significant social isolation that can negatively impact health and well being. Regardless of how many times we hear about the costs and quality of life issues staring our older adults in the face, little seems to change in terms of policies, programs, and personal planning. But denial and inaction are no longer viable in the face of the unprecedented aging population and the strong preference older adults have to age in place. There may be a silver lining for the silver tsunami. Nascent but positive trends are emerging in the form of innovative policies and programs that integrate health and community-based services with the goal of helping people stay healthier as they age and manage diffic...
Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: blogs