Hi everyone is Kaysonger.

Just a reminder that you can listen to all of our podcast ad free on the Headspace

app. Space Studio. Hi, this is Dr Latifah Watford, and welcome to Radio Head Space and to Friday morning.

I just really want to thank you so very much for having me on this week.

In today's episode we're discussing an inevitable time in many people's life,

caring for aging parents or elders.

As a proud Jen Exer, I'm part of what's called the sandwich generation. That means in addition to raising my own children, I'm also now caring for my aging parents. Although logically I knew my parents would be aging,

somehow it felt like overnight they all of a sudden got old and needed me in this new

and different way. But I've learned that while this can be challenging and seem overwhelming, it also really does work to strengthen generational relationships.

As people continue to live longer and longer, it's not uncommon for me to see patients that are

dealing with now caring for aging family members. There are some things I often share with them

to help them with this new stage in their life.

It's always important to remember that, yes, our family members are going to get older.

And yes, we may have or feel obligated to provide some level of care for them.

However, we also have to be realistic and have conversations

about what that looks like.

Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. As I said, I'm a proud Jenexer. I also have parents, of course, who are getting older. And intellectually, logically, I knew my parents were going to get older.

In fact, I was excited, you know, seeing them as a grandparent and

watching how our relationship changed as I became an adult.

However, that did not really prepare me for this stage.

It's amazing that I still found it quite shocking when it actually came to fruition.

Fortunately, my parents, although they're

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