Middle age is proving to be a challenging time for many Americans ages 45 to 65. This population is also made up of mostly Generation X. One researcher explains what they’re facing.
Frank Infurna is a professor of psychology at Arizona State University. He says this cohort is part of the sandwich generation, "but on steroids in terms of thinking of how their aging parents are living longer, which is wonderful, but you're having to take on more caregiving-related duties and those caregiving-related duties are not just a one-time thing."
And that can go on for more than a decade. He also says fewer job opportunities, the cost of living, plus the reality of their own mortality — like more chronic conditions — means this group is not feeling so “rad.”
"Compared to other nations in Europe, we're more depressed, middle aged adults are more depressed, they're in worse physical health, they're lonelier," Infurna said.
They're also beginning to encounter more cognitive issues than their European counterparts.
Infurna said finding community and building social networks is key.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified to correct the spelling of Frank Infurna's name.
