With adults over age 80 as the fastest-growing population, baby boomers are struggling to balance work and caregiving. The New York Times writer Jane Gross addresses these issues, and provides a forum for readers to voice their opinions, in her new blog, “The New Old Age.” Gross explores this unprecedented intergenerational challenge and shares the stories of readers, the advice of professionals, and the wisdom gleaned from her own experience caring for her mother in her waning years.

 

“Many of the topics you raise — sibling relations, long-distance caregiving, career disruption, the difference between coming to the aid of a beloved parent versus an abusive one, the pros and cons of long-term insurance, the situations in which nursing homes are appropriate and even welcome, how to stop parents from driving or persuade them they are no longer safe at home — will be recurring themes in the months ahead,” Gross wrote in a recent post.

 

More than 400 comments were posted during the blog’s first full day. Gross said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest, commentary and suggestions.

 

“Striking to me in your responses is how desperately adult children want to do right by their parents, how desperately their parents want to spare them this burden, and how the American health care system and our government’s safety net for the elderly make this all but impossible for both generations at almost every turn,” Gross wrote. 

Many of the issues Gross and readers bring up, including having the car key conversation with aging parents, are ones Home Instead Senior Care has addressed through programs such as the 40/70 Rule. You may find it interesting to periodically read Gross’ posts and reader responses.