The 'sandwich generation' gets just eight days a year to themselves – three times less than those without any dependants enjoy. A poll of 2,000 adults discovered those juggling both older and younger relatives depending on them face the greatest pressure when it comes to spare time and self-care.
Those who are part of the 'sandwich generation' manage just under four hours of personal time a week - equivalent to around eight days annually - yet dedicate 11-and-a-half hours weekly doing things for others. By contrast, the typical adult without any caring duties will have an average of 12-and-a-half hours of leisure time each week.
Nearly half (48%) of the 'sandwich generation' acknowledged they have less time to themselves than they'd prefer, with 67% believing this has affected their mental health and 66% feeling the same about their physical wellbeing.
The research, commissioned by AXA Health as part of its Cover That Cares campaign, also revealed 44% of the 'sandwich generation' consistently put others before themselves. Yet 36% believe as a group they are frequently overlooked by society.
The health insurer partnered with best-selling author, poet and mental health campaigner Hussain Manawer to compose a poem capturing the realities of caring for ourselves and others.
Hussain said: "It was exciting to work on this poem and bring to life how the sandwich generation feel, while giving care a voice. I've first hand experience of carrying the burden of care, which made working on this poem deeply important to me and I hope helps share a message for anyone who feels that way."
The research revealed that 14% of those in the sandwich generation can't recall the last time they did something purely for themselves. A quarter of them even regard food shopping and household chores as 'me time' simply because it involves time spent alone.
The knock-on effect of having less 'me time' than they would like has left 51% of the 'sandwich generation' feeling stressed, 45% unable to switch off and 37% without any time to pursue their own hobbies.
The mental burden of coordinating their lives is highlighted as an obstacle to securing more personal time by 27%. Likewise, 16% confessed they experience guilt about having 'me time'.
In a perfect scenario, they revealed their solo time would involve unwinding, reading and working out. Additional free time would ideally be devoted to their partner, on family rambles or heading to the pictures with relatives.
To carve out any time for themselves, the OnePoll research discovered those in the sandwich generation must schedule it well ahead (26%), compared to merely 11% of those without caring duties.
Crucial support for this demographic was identified as having someone to 'share the load' with, simply having a sympathetic ear and a physical gesture such as an embrace.
Others revealed that having people surrounding them who grasp what they're experiencing helps, as does a reassuring text message or phone call.
Heather Smith, CEO of AXA Health, said: "This group juggles caring for multiple generations and leaves little time for themselves, which as the stats show, has impacted both their physical and mental health. Hussain's poem represents this and brings to life how those in the sandwich generation are struggling and how something as small as an understanding text message can make a difference. Sometimes all people need is to be seen and heard and we hope our members know we're here to listen and support them when they need us."
YOU MAKE ME FEEL SEEN - POEM BY HUSSAIN MANAWER
You show up for me without me asking
Notice the shift in my mood, the way my body reacts to the never ending list of things to do
The way my shoulders carry unfinished tasks
the way my eyes are glancing
You show up for me with an oat latte,
A hug you know I need
A shoulder to rest my overthinking head,
Without me asking
As time grows on and life moves on
I'm learning to be, still, for a moment
To relax and not be too hard on myself
To breathe, that it's ok with everything going to also
Prioritise me
See I do listen, exactly how you taught me
Before you ask, I've done the bed sheets
The dishes too, The clothes are hung up to dry
The dust by the windows is gone, for now too,
You don't need to say it,
But it works the same way back,
I appreciate everything you do for me too
Thank you, you're probably thinking for what?
Well, I'm thanking you, because I feel your care,
through your warmth and love
Your messages that arrive at the right time that re-assure me
I'm good, everything's ok, and that I'm not too much
I understand, we may not always have the chance to be there for each other
We're busy and that's nobody's fault,
I get it, time just really flies for you and me,
so, with or without you in the room
Or wherever you are, I just want you to know, I'm grateful for your support
And you do, you make me feel seen.
