"Women surviving and thriving in the sandwich generation"

It’s a growing segment of our society. Adults who have a living parent over the age of 65 and are still raising children 18 or younger at home. They’re the “sandwich generation”. Mothers in the sandwich generation ages 35-54, feel more stress than any other age group as they balance the demanding, delicate acts of caring for growing children and their aging parents, according to an American Psychological Association survey.
The survey reveals more women than men report experiencing extreme stress and say they manage their stress poorly. And as a result, their own health often suffers. Plus, many women may be going through a huge transition with perimenopause and menopause, leading to weight gain and sleep disturbances. It not only can take a toll on personal relationships, but also on their own well-being as they struggle to take better care of themselves.
How can women survive and thrive in the Sandwich Generation? In this interview, Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Stephanie Faubion discusses self-care issues for women in the sandwich generation such as mood changes, sleep deprivation, and tips for managing physical changes due to menopause and weight gain.