Adulthood continues to change from generation to generation. Expectations and reality differ from what our grandparents and parents experienced. And now, 39% of middle aged American population find themselves as a part of the Sandwich Generation—adults in their 40s or 50s who either take care of their parent 65 years and older and/or take care of their grown child. This population increased 9% since 2010.
Caregivers who find themselves in this situation have more interest in seeking health information. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, caregivers, as opposed to non-caregivers, have more concern for consulting online reviews of drugs, getting information or support from others with the same condition, going online for a diagnosis, participating in online social activity related to health in the past year, getting information or support from friends and family and gathering health information online.
Technology proves to be a helpful tool in caregiving and managing juggling lives of the Sandwich Generation. According to the Pew study, 59% of caregivers who use Internet access found the online resources to help them in caregiving. Additionally, with technology advancing, Internet access becomes available virtually on almost all devices. 37% of the caregivers who own a cellphone report that they use their phone to look up health information online. Having Internet on demand via cell phone helps seek out medical information whenever the caregiver needs it.
The Pew Internet & American Life Project reveals caregivers, as opposed to other Internet users, as the majority of information seekers on all health topics in the study. For example, 71% of online caregivers look online for information about a specific disease or medical problem, as opposed to 44%. Not surprisingly, 25% of online caregivers seek out information on caring of an again relative or friend as opposed to 7% of other Internet users. Caregivers using the Internet search for information on certain medical treatments or procedures, health insurance, food and drug safety and recalls, advertised drugs, medical test results and more.
Young caregivers find more value in Internet use than adult caregivers, naturally. 70% of young caregivers find online resources more helpful, compared to only 51% of older caregivers. Again, with technology evolving, caregiving will become easier, especially for those caring for their children and parents.
Caregiving demands time, emotional and physical strength and motivation. The Sandwich Generation may find caregiving very difficult to manage in their lifestyle since most of these people are still in the workforce. Finding Mom and Dad care can help alleviate the struggles of supporting two generations.
Find senior care at Caregiverlist. Seniors will be matched to their needs depending on what type of care they need, monthly budget, and, if applicable, special and unique needs.
