If there are baby boomers and generation x, y and z, then get ready to meet yet another generation:  the sandwich generation. This generation is not tagged as such just because they love making sandwiches in the morning—which they usually do—but for the simple reason of getting caught between an older generation and a younger generation which he or she must take care of, both at the same time—just like a sandwich.

It seems that this generation is where the tougher ones belong since it is the hardest, most demanding situation a person must face. By definition, a person belongs to the sandwich generation if he or she is caught between caring for an elderly parent and attending to his or her children’s needs—both of which are challenging even on their own. Apparently, this generation is the latest trend in American way of life and surprisingly there are seniors ages 50-60 that fall right into this generation.

Statistics stated that the factors which gave way to the birth of this new generation are the rising number of dependent aging parents and the increase in rate of young adults still living with their parents. This is aside from the fact that most senior ladies opted to get pregnant later in life. Unfortunately, this generation has been experiencing the greatest pressure of them all, emotionally and financially. It can affect the way you live and how you handle things—it can even put strain in your marriage, making everything more cluttered as it is.

There are ways to prevent this from happening but you need to plan ahead and work for it in advance. There are two things that could set you back; one is giving financial support to your aging parent and the second one is supporting your child, just like a good parent should do; but with the economic situation that most Americans are facing today, these obligations are harder to accomplish. Planning ahead includes arranging your parents’ assets, making the money work and generate income to help pay for their future needs. For college kids and even young adults living with you, having a little talk is your best step to take; let them know how heavy it is for you and encourage them to find ways to somehow help you. Take note of the word “encourage” not demand to avoid bitter confrontations. Lastly, get some help.

There are many organizations that lend help to the emerging sandwich generation. It’s good to know that even the government is pushing forward to many senior assisting programs and could somehow ease the burden. Bottom line is, it is never bad to extend help especially to those you love most but in the end, you need to fend for yourself too so don’t forget to set aside a little of something for yourself.