Thanks to the Internet, we all had a chance to learn a lesson from Susan Boyle when she sang “I Dreamed a Dream” before judges of the TV show, “Britain has Talent.” What a surreal and thrilling moment for her. And what a wake-up call for the rest of us. Her 15 minutes of fame aren\’t over yet. So far, almost 100 million viewers have seen her on YouTube. Why the viral nature of this phenomenon? Of course we\’re all pretty fed up with the media focus on the economic meltdown or vapid teen pop stars, and desperate for a heartwarming story. Or are we really looking... Read More

Even with the harsh economic news – jobless rates up, and the stock market down – we can still find a lot to be grateful about, especially during the holidays. Families and friends traditionally draw together for support in times of crisis, and this year is no different. The gift of appreciation – a heartfelt thank you – can be a daily present this holiday season for those you love. And the cost won\’t cut into your tight budget at all. Why, then, is it so difficult to say thanks? We are often focused on ourselves – Galileo may have proved that the earth... Read More

This summer, billions of fans watched athletes from around the world compete in the Beijing Olympics. Even with political controversy and global tensions running rampant, these diverse games reflected the delicate balance between reality and entertainment. For many Sandwiched Boomers, the Olympics satisfied the yearning for distraction from immediate concerns about economic instability and caring for a family-in-flux. The Games provided color, drama and a broad demonstration of excellence. In addition to news about the winners and venues, information from Beijing went well beyond who was winning... Read More

With the high price of gasoline, are you thinking of canceling your vacation trip? This summer more and more Sandwiched Boomers are reducing their carbon footprint by taking “staycations” with their families. Why drive to a resort when there are community swimming pools around the corner? Why plan a remote getaway when you can relax in the beauty and serenity near you? You don\’t need to travel to the city for excitement when you can create your own at home. Gasoline prices are edging toward five dollars a gallon and the hassle and expense of air travel is increasing. Families... Read More

No need to look up “self-fullness” in the dictionary – you won\’t find it. And it\’s also not likely to be in the vocabulary of women who are pulled between their careers, children, parents, spouse or even grandchildren. No matter what age women have attained, many still act the part of the \’good girl,\’ responding to the needs of others first. It\’s fitting that these multitasking women are called the Sandwich Generation – since a sandwich often means a quick bite to eat on the run for those who don\’t have the time for a sit-down meal.... Read More

The soaring rhetoric from presidential candidates has been about the concept of change – and the electorate is energized by the buzzword. But is the idea of change really so new? In 1944, the Republican governor of New York, Thomas E. Dewey, ran for President against three-term incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt on the slogan “It\’s time for a change.” Although not using the specific word, John F. Kennedy, in 1960, promised change with “Let\’s get America moving again.” In the 1980\’s, Ronald Reagan emphasized the importance and challenge of individual... Read More

With 2008 in full swing, perhaps you\’ve already had your fill of economic and political predictions by experts and clairvoyants. However, if you happen to be a Sandwiched Boomer, the following quietly growing trend may surprise you. The results of recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of close to 44 million unpaid caregivers for the elderly are male. The call to honor loved ones is becoming an emerging pattern of male behavior. Traditionally, the bulk of these caretaking responsibilities have been carried out by daughters. Women have left jobs or subjugated their work life in order to... Read More

Are you like the millions of Americans who, year after year, make New Year\’s resolutions that they don\’t keep? Have you made a vow to lose 25 pounds, exercise four times a week or save monthly for your retirement? Noble goals – but do you keep them past the end of January? More crucial than setting broad goals is setting achievable ones, and then putting them into practice. Baby Boomers in the Sandwich Generation are especially stressed by the responsibilities they face from both their growing children and aging parents. Miranda feels physically and emotionally exhausted as... Read More

As a Baby Boomer member of the Sandwich Generation, perhaps you have already had talks with your aging parents about their wills, beneficiaries, and advanced medical directives for hospital care. But have you discussed an ethical will or the legacy of meaning they wish to leave behind? As parents grow older, it becomes more important to them to be remembered for the life lessons they taught than for the material gifts they leave behind. Rachel remembers her first experience with just such a legacy. “My mother-in-law was a wise woman. Although she wasn\’t able to continue her education... Read More

As a Baby Boomer, are you in agreement with the results of an American Association of Retired Persons\’ position paper – that the definition of work in retirement will be uniquely yours? Fully 80% of those who responded to the survey expect to continue some type of work after they reach retirement age. Many women don\’t have control over the decision regarding changes in their work situation. They may be faced, unexpectedly, with the loss of a job or a business. Or, out of financial necessity, they have no choice but to continue supporting themselves and their families. In... Read More