Sandwiched women: Health behavior, health, and life satisfaction

Abstract

This paper studies the impact of sandwich generation caregiving on the health behavior, self-assessed health and life satisfaction of Russian women. It presents evidence that sandwich generation caregiving reduces the likelihood of medical examinations, and regular meals. Alcohol consumption and likelihood of smoking are reduced. The like lihood of obesity increases, the proportion of chronic diseases decreases, and self-assessed health improves. The proportion of depression decreases. These effects may be the result of an inattentive attitude to one’s health and a consciousness of the social significance of fulfilling one’s duty. These effects vary with socio-demographic characteristics.