Welcome to the start of the Thrive at 55 and Beyond newsletter series! My goal is to provide you with valuable information and resources to help you thrive at 55 and beyond. I personally turn 55 in October of this year, so this information is pertinent to me and my goal to Thrive at 55. Each week, we'll focus on a single topic and provide you with helpful tips, advice, and inspiration. I have generated 55 areas of concern or focus important to those of us in our “mid-fifties”. If you want to learn more about the areas of concern, visit www.thiveatfiftyfive.com.
"I've learned that it's okay to ask for help. There's no shame in admitting that you can't do it all on your own."
This week's focus: Finding Support
Being a caregiver can be overwhelming and stressful, but you don't have to do it alone. In this week's newsletter, I'll provide you with tips on how to find support, including local resources, online communities, and support groups. The term "Sandwich Generation" was first coined in the 1980s to describe the growing number of adults simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents. Today, this phenomenon is more common than ever, with an estimated 41 million Americans in this category. I experienced this for a brief time while my oldest daughter was finishing school and my father’s health began to decline. The tension between my parents needing my help, trying to focus on my daughter’s final year of school and my responsibilities at work was difficult to work through. I know many reading this deal with this difficult balance for much longer than I had to.
One place I take lots of inspiration and stories from is the GenX Reddit subgroup. I recently read a post by Sarah who shared her experience of caring for her aging parents while also raising her two young children. She felt overwhelmed and isolated but didn't know where to turn for help. After doing some research, she discovered a local support group for caregivers and decided to attend a meeting. At the meeting, she met other caregivers who were going through similar experiences and were able to offer advice, resources, and emotional support. Sarah found the group to be a lifeline during a difficult time and continues to attend meetings and stay connected with the group.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or isolated as a caregiver, there are many resources available to help you find support. Here are a few suggestions:
- Local Resources: Check with your local Area Agency on Aging, senior center, or community center for information on caregiver support groups, respite care, and other resources.
- Online Communities: There are many online communities and forums for caregivers, including Caregiver Action Network, AgingCare, and Lotsa Helping Hands. These communities offer a place to connect with other caregivers, share information and resources, and find emotional support.
- Professional Help: Consider reaching out to a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professionals who can provide support and guidance during your caregiving journey.
If you are caught in the Sandwich Generation, what resources or support have you been able to find?
For more information and conversation on this topic, check out this excellent video: The Sandwich Generation: What It Means and How to Deal With It
Stat of the Week: According to a survey by Genworth Financial, 63% of caregivers report having to make changes to their work schedule or take time off to provide care for a loved one. Finding support can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Trivia Question of the Week: What was the top-grossing movie in March 1968?
Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon
Going to the candidates’ debate
Laugh about it, shout about it
When you've got to choose
Every way you look at this, you lose
Don’t google/chatgpt it! Answer in the footnotes…
Nostalgia section - each week, we will look back to the year 1968. What was happening 55 years ago this week?
As a special feature, I've added a retirement countdown timer at the bottom of this newsletter. From the second week of March, it will countdown how many days until retirement.
Next week's focus: Staying Active
Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for your physical and mental health as we age. In next week's newsletter, I'll provide you with tips on staying active, including resources for exercise ideas, outdoor activities, and social engagement. If there is anything specific you would like me to cover or include, tweet me @55_thrive or @thriveayfiftyfive on Instagram or you could add it to the chat here on Substack(on the mobile app)!
If you enjoyed this week's newsletter and found the information and resources helpful, we encourage you to share it with your friends and family members who may also benefit from this content. Together, we can help more people thrive at 55 and beyond!
Have a great day!
Eric
Trivia answer -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_1968_box_office_number-one_films_in_the_United_States