Baby boomers have been in the sandwich generation for years, taking care of aging parents at the same time they look after their offspring. As they themselves grow older, however, they may find fewer family members will be able to look after them. A new report suggests that the changing demographics of this country will dramatically reduce the number of people available to care for the elderly. There just won’t be enough family, friends or professional caregivers for many aging boomers to stay in their homes.
[AARP, “The Aging of the Baby Boom and the Growing Care Gap” Aug. 26, 2013]
This suggests that boomers may need to do more planning about how they will face their later years. The retirement community industry is eager to attract boomers, but it remains to be seen what choices will be most beneficial.