NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 20, 2026Hillsborough
Care.com and Zety reports detail financial and career impacts on 'sandwich generation' caregivers
New reports indicate that Americans are beginning dual caregiving responsibilities for children and aging parents at an average age of 34, with 86% of surveyed caregivers reporting they felt unprepared. The findings highlight significant financial strain, including reduced retirement contributions and career sacrifices, as caregivers balance these dual roles.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The reports quantify the financial and professional risks for individuals caring for both children and aging parents, noting that 77% of these caregivers feel financially behind and many are deprioritizing savings or career advancement.
Key Facts
- Dual caregiving responsibilities begin at an average age of 34.
- 86% of 1,000 surveyed caregivers reported feeling completely unprepared when caregiving started.
- 77% of sandwich caregiver parents report feeling financially behind due to care responsibilities.
- 52% of caregivers say their savings get deprioritized when caregiving demands intensify.
- 17% of Gen X workers report lowering retirement contributions due to caregiving.
- 16% of Gen X workers report delaying retirement due to caregiving.
- 12% of Gen X workers report taking lower-paying, more flexible jobs due to caregiving.
- 10% of Gen X workers report turning down promotions due to caregiving.
- 3 out of 10 workers report receiving little or no support from their employer regarding caregiving.
- Mothers spend more hours per week coordinating care than fathers and are more likely to be the default contact for family care needs.
Who's Mentioned
other1,000“Number of caregivers surveyed by Care.com.”organizationZety“Conducted a report on caregiving impacts on Gen X workers.”personLiz Minkin-Friedman“Caregiver quoted in the report.”personMatthew Turner“Representative of CareScout.”other10“Percentage of workers turning down promotions due to caregiving.”personJasmine Escalera“Career expert.”other34“Average age when dual caregiving responsibilities begin.”personPatrick Simasko“Elder law attorney and financial advisor.”other401(k)“Retirement savings plan mentioned in the context of financial strain.”organizationCare.com“Conducted a survey of 1,000 caregivers.”