Caught between aging parents and growing children, women of the ‘Sandwich Generation’ are juggling dual caregiving roles—often at the cost of their own health. On this Mother’s Day, experts are raising red flags about the rising mental, emotional and physical toll on these multitasking moms. From hormonal imbalances and lifestyle diseases to depression and chronic fatigue, the consequences of caregiver burnout are real and growing. The call is clear: it’s time these mothers prioritise self-care, not as a luxury, but as a non-negotiable part of family well-being
PNS|HYDERABAD
They wipe away their parents’ tears after hospital visits, pack lunch boxes for their children and often head to work with barely a moment to breathe. These women, caught between caregiving roles at both ends of the age spectrum, belong to the unsung tribe known as the ‘Sandwich Generation.’ ‘Sandwich Generation’—especially women’s health issues—usually go unnoticed. This generation of women face a unique health challenge as they are busy caring for both aging parents and their own children. On this Mother’s Day, experts urge women in this bracket to give themselves permission to pause and take out time for their own health checkups and carve out non-negotiable self-care time. Their good health is the main pillar of a happy and healthy family.
Double Duty, Double the Toll
Dr. Anil Gomber, Internal Medicine and Diabetologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chirag Enclave Delhi, “We often come across daughters who are heavily pressed due to the de facto decision-makers for elderly parents’ medical needs and also the emotional support system for their children. This dual challenge leads to health problems for themselves as they gradually neglect their own arthritis, irregular periods, or even heart health. Very often they are busy with coordinating physiotherapy or hospital or doctor visits for their parents. We need to understand their additional challenges such as healthcare logistics—transport, prescriptions, diet among others for parents. All these women do while managing their children’s school, home studies, sports, and social life relentlessly.”
Caregivers’ burn especially for women is significant and they need to cope up with these challenges for a healthy life for themselves. Families should come forward to lessen the dual burden women carry. With shared responsibilities these multitasking mothers can get some relief to focus on their own health.
A Cascade of Chronic Symptoms
Dr. Deepak Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, “We can say that women in the ‘Sandwich Generation’ are obviously in a very demanding position. It is not uncommon for us to routinely see women in their late 30s to early 50s presenting with chronic fatigue, migraines, gastrointestinal disturbances, and even early signs of lifestyle diseases like hypertension or Type 2 diabetes. These health issues are often result of women’s constantly oscillating between responsibilities—coordinating medical care for aging parents while attending PTMs or helping with homework for young children. We consider ‘caregiver burnout’ as a common phenomenon but in the case of ‘Sandwich Generation,’ it is more layered. They are not only emotional anchor of the family but also carry the weight of everyone’s schedules, worries and sickness. This anchoring can lead to sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, and reduced time for exercise or preventive checkups.”
Hormonal Health: The Ignored Chapter
Dr. Charu Lata Bansal, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur, “We have been witnessing the plight of many women in their 40s and 50s from the ‘Sandwich Generation.’ First of all, they are completely unaware that they’re entering perimenopause or facing hormonal imbalances because they’re too focused on caring for others. Their caregiver burnout includes irregular cycles, mood swings, weight gain, or low libido. It is a pity that families brushed off these symptoms as ‘stress’ when they actually need medical attention. This neglect can lead to long-term reproductive and metabolic issues.” According to experts, women must understand that caregiving doesn’t mean sacrificing their own hormonal health. On Mother’s Day, they urge every woman in this age group to prioritise an annual gynecological checkup.
The Weight of Emotional Labor
Dr. Sapare Rohit, Consultant Psychiatry, SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka, Bangalore, “Mental health issues are yet another serious concern for the Sandwich Generation—particularly women. We have been seeing them with symptoms of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, they do not even realize it because they’re so used to it. Yes, we do understand their struggle in maintaining their teens emotional upheaval at the same time when they also need to get their aging parents checked up for dementia, hypertension, Diabetes, heart or respiratory issues. Moreover, many of them have to attend offices as well. They cannot bear the blame of not having enough time for parents or children. This feeling drains them emotionally. Over time, this guilt can spiral into low self-worth, irritability, sleep disturbances, and even panic attacks. We advise them to go for therapy that helps. There is an urgent need to create awareness among the Sandwich Generation, especially women.”
Time for the Family to Step In
On Mother’s Day, society should celebrate not just the nurturing role of mothers, but also recognize the silent resilience of those balancing care on both ends of the age spectrum. Experts give a clarion call to family members that they should step in, share responsibilities, and check in on the caregiver’s overall health.
