Story perspectives

34-Year-Old “Sandwich” Caregivers Face $25K Costs, Retirement Risk

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. sandwich caregivers now assume dual care responsibilities at age 34, per Care.com’s 2026 report.
Sixty-nine percent and eighty percent said responsibilities began early and the transition was sudden, leaving little time to prepare financially.
Survey found adult children lose about $12,300 annually, care costs exceed $25,000 per year, and six of ten caregivers expect retirement to be affected, with nearly twenty percent fearing they may never fully retire.

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Story summary

U.S. sandwich caregivers now assume dual care responsibilities at age 34, per Care.com’s 2026 report.
Sixty-nine percent and eighty percent said responsibilities began early and the transition was sudden, leaving little time to prepare financially.
Survey found adult children lose about $12,300 annually, care costs exceed $25,000 per year, and six of ten caregivers expect retirement to be affected, with nearly twenty percent fearing they may never fully retire.