‘Sandwiched’ adults in their 40s and 50s are the most likely to have both a minor child and an adult child they’ve helped financially
Among those in the ‘sandwich generation,’ % who have a living parent age 65 or older and …
* And have not provided financial help to an adult child.
** And do not have a child younger than 18.
Note: Adults in the sandwich generation are those who 1) have a living parent age 65 or older and 2) have a minor child and/or have provided financial support to an adult child in the year prior to the survey. There were too few adults younger than 30 in this group to analyze separately. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.
** And do not have a child younger than 18.
Note: Adults in the sandwich generation are those who 1) have a living parent age 65 or older and 2) have a minor child and/or have provided financial support to an adult child in the year prior to the survey. There were too few adults younger than 30 in this group to analyze separately. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Sept. 2-8, 2025.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
‘Sandwiched’ adults in their 40s and 50s are the most likely to have both a minor child and an adult child they’ve helped financially
Among those in the ‘sandwich generation,’ % who have a living parent age 65 or older and …
| Have a child younger than 18* | Have provided financial help to adult child** | Have done/Have done both | Grouping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All in sandwich generation | 47 | 36 | 18 | All |
| Ages 30-39 | 90 | 3 | 7 | Age |
| 40-49 | 58 | 19 | 23 | Age |
| 50-59 | 18 | 61 | 21 | Age |
| 60+ | 4 | 89 | 7 | Age |
* And have not provided financial help to an adult child.
** And do not have a child younger than 18.
Note: Adults in the sandwich generation are those who 1) have a living parent age 65 or older and 2) have a minor child and/or have provided financial support to an adult child in the year prior to the survey. There were too few adults younger than 30 in this group to analyze separately. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.
** And do not have a child younger than 18.
Note: Adults in the sandwich generation are those who 1) have a living parent age 65 or older and 2) have a minor child and/or have provided financial support to an adult child in the year prior to the survey. There were too few adults younger than 30 in this group to analyze separately. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Sept. 2-8, 2025.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
