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"My nest is full:" intergenerational relationships at midlife
Heidi Igarashi1, Karen Hooker, Deborah P Coehlo
1School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States. igarashh@onid.orst.edu
Journal of Aging Studies
|April 9, 2013
Summary
Midlife adults often feel a strong sense of family responsibility, balancing care for adult children and aging parents. This dual role brings both joy and burden, prompting reflections on independence and future caregiving.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Midlife adults often navigate complex intergenerational demands.
- The 'sandwich generation' faces unique challenges supporting both emerging adults and aging parents.
- A life course perspective is crucial for understanding these evolving family dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of midlife adults supporting both emerging adult children and aging parents.
- To understand the beliefs and attitudes surrounding family responsibility across generations.
- To identify strategies for preserving independence and mitigating caregiving burdens.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing focus groups.
- In-depth exploration of midlife adults' experiences.
- Life course perspective framework.
Main Results:
- Midlife adults embrace family responsibility for both younger and older generations.
- Support for adult children is often gladly provided, despite extended transitions.
- Care for aging parents is experienced with ambivalence, a mix of joy and burden.
- Gaining insights into late life and reflecting on aging, independence, and family roles.
- Intentions to self-direct actions to preserve personal independence and avoid burdening offspring.
Conclusions:
- Negotiating family relationships regarding independence and responsibilities can reduce intergenerational ambivalence.
- Understanding the dual demands on the 'sandwich generation' is vital for support.
- Promoting self-directed actions can empower midlife adults in caregiving situations.
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