Aging Parents and the Masks We Wear

As members of the Sandwich Generation with parents aging rapidly, the transition you're facing may be one of role reversal. Are you taking on more responsibility for your folks as they are less able to care for themselves? Try to take a step back and assess what's going on for you emotionally:

1. Look deep inside and be honest with yourself. You may be in denial about your parents' decline and how that is affecting you. Evaluate your emotional state of mind. If you've been quiet, withdrawn or holding back, are you hiding feelings of sadness? Or if you're frustrated or angry, are you worried about handling all that you have to do? Consider what part of all this may not be in your best interests.

2. Stress can be a catalyst for negative behavior. Reduce the pressures you feel about your parents' situation by getting help from a geriatric care manager or other family members. Honor your body by paying attention to your exercise routine, what you eat, your sleeping habits and what gives you pleasure. Actually schedule some relaxation into your daily routine until it becomes second nature. Remember about putting on your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else in the airplane? If you don't take care of your own wellbeing, you won't be able to be there for your parents.

Let us hear from you about some of the issues you're facing with your aging parents. You can click on the title of this post to read an article about how to deal with your parents' tarnished golden years.