Canadians who raise their children and care for their aging parents at the same time face an increased burden including more complicated personal schedules and less pay, according to a new report by Statistics Canada.

 The new study says about one-third of middle-aged Canadians are part of this so-called Sandwich Generation, and more are expected to join their ranks. With baby boomers getting older and fertility rates low, the study says older family members will need care from people still raising their children.

The numbers in the Statistics Canada report, based on the 2002 General Social Survey, show 712,000 people between the ages of 45 and 64 are caregivers to two generations.

 Their lives are increasingly busy and stressful as they juggle their responsibilities, the study found:

 15 per cent reduced their work hours

• 20 per cent changed their schedules
• 10 per cent lost income
• 70 per cent said they're stressed

"It's tough because the parents and the younger kids need you," said Jeanette Jakeman, a Calgary mom who's looking after her own mother. "You do what you have to do."

The study found that the burden of caring for elderly parents falls mostly to women. At 30 hours a month, that's more than twice the 13 hours spent by male caregivers.

 Employee assistance programs that were created to help workers deal with divorce and alcohol abuse have adapted over the years to help the Sandwich Generation cope.

 Ray Pekrul, with Family Service Regina, says more workers need time in the day to fulfil their responsibilities, such as taking an elderly parent to a medical appointment.

"So it becomes much more to juggle," he said.

CBC News