A new study published in the journal Public Health has found that individuals who care for both children and aging parents, known as "sandwich carers," are at a higher risk of declining mental and physical health over time. The study, led by Dr. Baowen Xue from University College London, analyzed data from 2,000 sandwich carers and compared it to 2,000 caregivers who only cared for children under the age of 16. The results showed that sandwich carers experienced increased psychological distress and a faster decline in physical health if they spent more than 20 hours per week providing care. Researchers recommend targeted mental health interventions, regular health monitoring, and broader support and respite care to help mitigate these risks.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/caregivers-face-mental-physical-health-risks/article_8b2dfc8d-7d2a-544f-ad6f-b1c9c9ee69b9.htmlA growing number of adults are shouldering multiple caregiving responsibilities, caring for both their children and aging parents or other older family members, often referred to as "sandwich carers". According to a study published in the journal Public Health, this demographic is at risk of experiencing declining mental and physical health over time. The study suggests that these individuals are caught between two generations, with the added stress of managing multiple caregiving roles taking a toll on their well-being.
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/01/07/England-aging-parents-stress/2581736259022/In an interview, Holker revealed that after her husband's death, she found various drugs hidden in his shoeboxes, including mushrooms and pills, which she had to look up on her phone. She stated that this discovery helped her understand the extent of his struggles with mental health and addiction, and that he was hiding these issues from their children due to shame. Holker is writing a memoir about her experiences, aiming to help others who may be struggling in silence. The interview also touched on the last words her husband said to their eldest daughter, Weslie, before he went missing: "I wish I could be your Superman."
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14260799/Stephen-tWitch-Boss-widow-Allison-Holker-SLAMMED-Real-Housewives-star-addiction-issues.htmlA young mother, Meghan Cross, has spoken out about the lack of mental health support services after her partner, Sam Platt, took his own life on Christmas Day due to stress over finding a home for their family. Platt, a 33-year-old cabinet maker from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, is survived by his partner and three children: Alaina, Kayden, and Riley.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14257699/Sunshine-coast-Sam-Platt.htmlResearchers from the University of East Anglia studied the health effects on individuals who transitioned into sandwich carers, a group that cares for both children and elderly relatives. The team tracked the health of two groups over nine years, using questionnaires to assess mental and physical health before, during, and after becoming sandwich carers. They found that the number of caregiving hours and gender affected health changes, with women experiencing more strain than men. Mental health was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) scores, while physical health was assessed through the Physical Component Summary (PCS).
https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/caring-for-both-kids-and-parents-takes-heavy-health-toll-study/article_80203653-8b6b-5ec8-b61a-71043bf14805.htmlDr. Zhang Jiaming, the founder and CEO of Wuxin, a Chinese company based in Shenzhen's Greater Bay Area, is developing AI-powered plush toys called AnAn that provide companionship and emotional support to individuals facing loneliness. The products are designed to be cost-effective, have high bionic fidelity, and affective intelligence, addressing the needs of over 100 million people in China who suffer from loneliness. Wuxin has partnered with manufacturers, brand channels, and healthcare experts to overcome production challenges and set new industry standards. Dr. Zhang aims to launch a complete product line by 2025, targeting various demographics including the elderly, single individuals, and those with depression or cognitive disorders.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-worlds-most-bionic-and-intelligent-panda-cub-robot-spotlight-at-ces-2025-to-deliver-psychological-support-and-robot-assisted-therapy-302345109.htmlThe winter months can have an insidious effect on our bodies and minds by disrupting our circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep quality and mental health issues. According to the National Sleep Foundation, nearly 45% of people report feeling more tired during the winter due to shorter days and longer nights. This is linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that affects almost 10% of Americans each year, causing symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue, and mood changes. Research shows that exposure to natural light, particularly in the morning, can improve sleep quality significantly, with studies indicating that up to 60% of people dealing with circadian rhythm disorders experience improved sleep after using light therapy. Poor sleep is strongly linked to mental health struggles like anxiety and depression, with a Harvard Medical School report revealing that people who report poor sleep in winter are two to three times more likely to experience heightened levels of anxiety and stress.
https://stltoday.com/news/nation-world/weather/polar-vortex-severe-winter-weather-icy-roads-dangerous-conditions/article_8e2e6f0a-2cb9-50ab-a474-25ab1732677d.htmlA recent report found that 55% of Britons who find themselves in a caregiving role are experiencing depression and 78% anxious thoughts due to secondary trauma, which occurs when one feels another person's trauma as their own. This phenomenon is seen in many cases where individuals care for someone struggling with mental health issues, such as a partner battling depression or a parent worrying about their child's impulsive behavior. The rise in mental health issues, including claims for mental health benefits in the UK tripling to 400 per day since the pandemic, suggests that these cases of secondary trauma are likely to increase.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14255717/Mum-obsessive-world-SOPHIE-SCOTT-relatives-battling-crippling-anxiety.htmlHoda Kotb has announced her plans to leave the Today show and is moving into a new career venture in the wellness space. She revealed on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she will be launching a wellness app and company, which aims to help people cultivate mindfulness and self-care habits. Kotb explained that she became interested in the wellness industry after experiencing its benefits firsthand, and is now building a community around her passion for it. Her new venture is expected to provide individuals with tools and resources to prioritize their well-being and feel transformed by the experience.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1269567-hoda-kotb-reveals-her-big-career-move-inspiration-thats-so-healthy