UK Top 10 News

A new poll of over 500 adults aged 50 and above has revealed a significant life milestone: the average age when adult children begin to feel more like caregivers than dependents is 48.
The study found that this shift often occurs when parents reach around 73 years old, a time when many require increased support with daily tasks.
Survey respondents reported helping their parents navigate everything from managing household finances to understanding digital technology and official documents.
Many also take on practical responsibilities, including driving their parents to appointments, overseeing home maintenance, and coordinating healthcare.
The findings underscore the emotional and logistical challenges of the so-called ‘sandwich generation,’ adults who are simultaneously caring for aging parents while supporting children of their own.
Four in ten respondents said they felt more like a parent to their parents, while others admitted to struggling with stress and burnout due to the competing demands on their time.
Experts recommend that families have proactive conversations about elder care, legal documents, and living arrangements well before a crisis arises.
The research highlights the growing importance of caregiver support networks and community resources, particularly as the UK’s aging population continues to expand.
Policymakers have been urged to address this trend by increasing funding for adult social care services, caregiver respite programs, and initiatives to make homes safer and more accessible for seniors who wish to remain independent.