Final answer:
The term 'sandwich generation' incorrectly describes people who are no longer young but not yet old; it actually refers to adults caring for their children and aging parents simultaneously. The older adult population is categorized into 'young-old,' 'middle-old,' and 'old-old.' Baby Boomers are a key demographic and are changing the experience of aging.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term “sandwich generation” does not refer to people who are no longer young but not yet old. Instead, it describes a generation of adults, typically in their 30s or 40s, who are responsible for bringing up their own children and, at the same time, are taking care of their aging parents. This generation is “sandwiched” between the needs of their children and the needs of their parents, which can create financial, emotional, and time-related pressures. The “sandwich generation” is a demographic trend that has been identified due to shifts in lifespans and family structures.
In contrast, social scientists categorize the older adult population into three life-stage subgroups: the young-old (approximately sixty-five to seventy-four years old), the middle-old (ages seventy-five to eighty-four years old), and the old-old (over age eighty-five). The Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, now reaching their 60s and 70s, are particularly significant in the study of aging populations as they are redefining the experiences and expectations of aging.
When people reach their 40s, they enter what is known as middle adulthood, which extends to the mid-60s. The Baby Boomers and subsequent generations are experiencing different living situations and social roles compared to previous cohorts. Advancements in healthcare and changes in economic structures have contributed to the evolving perception and status of the elderly in society.