Retirement Starts Today The 'Open Sandwich' Generation
Aug 31, 2026
What happens when aging parents are gone and children no longer depend on you? Explore the freedom, grief, and unexpected responsibilities of becoming the family’s senior generation. The discussion also covers estate planning for solo agers, professional fiduciaries, healthcare decisions, and charitable beneficiaries. Plus, Judy’s creative path to a meaningful retirement through substitute teaching.
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Freedom And Grief After The Sandwich Ends
- The open-sandwich stage begins when aging parents die and independent children leave, creating freedom mixed with grief.
- Both emotions can coexist; adapting well means holding excitement and loss together rather than suppressing either.
Becoming The Senior Generation
- Losing the generations above and below makes you the senior family member, responsible for family history and major ceremonial roles.
- Freedom without a purpose can become drift, anxiety, or excessive phone scrolling.
Choose What Fills Your Retirement Plate
- Deliberately put new activities on your newly open plate instead of waiting for life to fill it.
- Consider travel, friendships, learning, hobbies, causes, or renewed investment in your marriage.
