In the middle of an intergenerational sandwich? We have 3 survival tips.

Older generations are living longer, and as a result many of us are role swapping to become the primary carer for parents. For some that means simultaneously looking after both kids and parents. One minute we’ll be telling our children to swap sweets for fruit, and in the next we’ll be trying to get the parents to swap cakes for sardines (brain food). Little wonder we’re known as the sandwich generation. We’re being squished. Arg – what can help? Quite a bit really, but here are 3 of our top tips.

1.Get them (and you) walking!

Depression among the elderly is on the rise and sadly, it can go unnoticed by busy relatives. When elderly parents are depressed (many of them come from a generation that do not like to talk about their mental health), it can be difficult to know what to do. Research suggests that a simple daily walk can really help. Easier said than done when they are feeling down but offering to get out with them might be the answer (grandkids can help here). When they have company, the walk also doubles as a social occasion – a two tick activity.

2. Use tech!

Yes, the relentless pace of technology feels like it’s made things more complicated, and it can leave older folks a tad baffled and frustrated. BUT – don’t rush to do it for them. Studies show that those who engaged with technology and worked out how to use it had better cognition and memory than their non-engaging peers. Older people who make active use of technology are less likely to get dementia. That effort is protective.

The bonus is when older people do use tech tools to do things like keep in touch with extended family and friends it keeps them socially connected. Being social, is as important as trying new things and research shows that those who are more social are also more resilient to chronic conditions and often have a stronger immune system. Another big health tick.

3. Leverage nutrition!

Appetites can fade as we age (we tend to eat more when we have company), chewing can become more difficult (keep their dental visits up in case it’s a tooth issue) and those living alone don’t always feel like cooking (maybe have dinner with them regularly). The headline is that older people especially need to have good nutrition: plenty of protein: dairy, fish and non-processed meat, to help keep up muscle strength and function, fruit and veg for vitamins and fibre, and good hydration (and a good multivitamin can help). Diet can really make a difference so take a look at theirs to see if it’s at least close to nutritious – and if it’s social. Because the more social the eating the better. Yet another second tick.

It's not just our elders, any of us would do well to follow these simple guidelines. 1) Engage with something new regularly to keep the brain working, 2) keep moving to keep the body working, 3) keep up the nutrition to keep the whole system working and in each of these categories keep it social, because we are social creatures and good connections can make all the difference.