Latest news with #Wilkie
The Advertiser
18 hours ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Inside the life of the sandwich generation: Caring for parents and teens
In some cultures, looking after your elderly parents is part of society norm, in others it's mandated by law (like China and France). In Australia, it can be a personal choice, though many are oblivious to their role and don't identify as a "carer" - meaning wellbeing is often overlooked. "They think 'I'm just looking after my parents' or, you know, 'I'm just caring for a child with special needs' ... [and are not] seeking those supports that are available to them, like respite or counselling, or peer groups that may help," said Annabel Reid, CEO of Carers Australia. Most carers will care for years before they seek out assistance, meaning they're usually in "quite a bad place when they seek help", Ms Reid said. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates 11.9 per cent of the population were carers in 2024 - including 1.2 million primary carers and 1.9 million carers who were not primary carers - who support a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail. Read more at The Senior: Linley Wilkie, a journalist with ACM (publisher of this masthead), is the eldest child in her family, "and usually [her] parent's first port of call". "Dad is 83 and Mum is 74. They've been fit, healthy and socially active for most of their lives, however, things took a turn when Dad was diagnosed with melanoma at the end of 2019," she told The Senior. "The ongoing immunotherapy treatment has been amazing, but it ultimately rocked their world and I feel like my status as 'firstborn' grew to include 'carer' at about this point ... on the flip side, care for my teenage sons is daily, filled with the usual things you'd expect in a busy family." The Victorian resident lives an hour and 20-minutes drive from her parents, so teaching them "lifehacks" (like how to do online shopping, how to spot a scam email or how to find Cancer Council support services) and outsourcing jobs like cleaning where she can has been helpful. "When I visit, I'll drive them to the post office, or the bank, and other services they feel more comfortable still undertaking in person," she said. *I think I'd feel incredibly guilty if I wasn't in a position to look after them at the drop of a hat ... not because they'd impress guilt upon me, but because I was brought up to appreciate the importance of people looking after each other - I feel that deeply when it concerns the person who raised me to be who I am today. "I genuinely love caring for them! There's a real sense of pride and satisfaction in seeing them regain their health and independence." Ms Wilkie said she was fortunate to have no financial implications for being "sandwiched between the needs of her ageing parents and growing teenage sons", though she does feel "overstretched" on occasion - a plight of many others in a similar situation. Ms Wilkie said she tries to manage her wellbeing by taking time out for herself, like catching up with friends or watching a favourite television show. "Simple things that give me joy and require minimal effort," she said. "Try not to feel bad for yourself when you're doing the caring while others wait, being able to look after the generations before and after you is part of many modern-day families. Cherish the time you have left with your parents and instil similar values in your children, so that one day, caring for you will come naturally to them (aka the circle of life)!" The latest research around the "sandwich generation" has revealed on average, caregivers spend around 31.7 hours on average per week doing unpaid care for both older and younger generations, juggled with around 21 hours on average of work each week. The Australian Seniors: Sandwich Generation Report 2025 also found nine in 10 of those surveyed had experienced caregiving burnout (emotional and physical exhaustion, sleep issues), 65 per cent of those surveyed were concerned about long-term health impacts of caregiving, though a third of carers reported they did engage in self-care strategies (like regular exercise, seeking support and taking breaks). Join the conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. In some cultures, looking after your elderly parents is part of society norm, in others it's mandated by law (like China and France). In Australia, it can be a personal choice, though many are oblivious to their role and don't identify as a "carer" - meaning wellbeing is often overlooked. "They think 'I'm just looking after my parents' or, you know, 'I'm just caring for a child with special needs' ... [and are not] seeking those supports that are available to them, like respite or counselling, or peer groups that may help," said Annabel Reid, CEO of Carers Australia. Most carers will care for years before they seek out assistance, meaning they're usually in "quite a bad place when they seek help", Ms Reid said. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates 11.9 per cent of the population were carers in 2024 - including 1.2 million primary carers and 1.9 million carers who were not primary carers - who support a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail. Read more at The Senior: Linley Wilkie, a journalist with ACM (publisher of this masthead), is the eldest child in her family, "and usually [her] parent's first port of call". "Dad is 83 and Mum is 74. They've been fit, healthy and socially active for most of their lives, however, things took a turn when Dad was diagnosed with melanoma at the end of 2019," she told The Senior. "The ongoing immunotherapy treatment has been amazing, but it ultimately rocked their world and I feel like my status as 'firstborn' grew to include 'carer' at about this point ... on the flip side, care for my teenage sons is daily, filled with the usual things you'd expect in a busy family." The Victorian resident lives an hour and 20-minutes drive from her parents, so teaching them "lifehacks" (like how to do online shopping, how to spot a scam email or how to find Cancer Council support services) and outsourcing jobs like cleaning where she can has been helpful. "When I visit, I'll drive them to the post office, or the bank, and other services they feel more comfortable still undertaking in person," she said. *I think I'd feel incredibly guilty if I wasn't in a position to look after them at the drop of a hat ... not because they'd impress guilt upon me, but because I was brought up to appreciate the importance of people looking after each other - I feel that deeply when it concerns the person who raised me to be who I am today. "I genuinely love caring for them! There's a real sense of pride and satisfaction in seeing them regain their health and independence." Ms Wilkie said she was fortunate to have no financial implications for being "sandwiched between the needs of her ageing parents and growing teenage sons", though she does feel "overstretched" on occasion - a plight of many others in a similar situation. Ms Wilkie said she tries to manage her wellbeing by taking time out for herself, like catching up with friends or watching a favourite television show. "Simple things that give me joy and require minimal effort," she said. "Try not to feel bad for yourself when you're doing the caring while others wait, being able to look after the generations before and after you is part of many modern-day families. Cherish the time you have left with your parents and instil similar values in your children, so that one day, caring for you will come naturally to them (aka the circle of life)!" The latest research around the "sandwich generation" has revealed on average, caregivers spend around 31.7 hours on average per week doing unpaid care for both older and younger generations, juggled with around 21 hours on average of work each week. The Australian Seniors: Sandwich Generation Report 2025 also found nine in 10 of those surveyed had experienced caregiving burnout (emotional and physical exhaustion, sleep issues), 65 per cent of those surveyed were concerned about long-term health impacts of caregiving, though a third of carers reported they did engage in self-care strategies (like regular exercise, seeking support and taking breaks). Join the conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. In some cultures, looking after your elderly parents is part of society norm, in others it's mandated by law (like China and France). In Australia, it can be a personal choice, though many are oblivious to their role and don't identify as a "carer" - meaning wellbeing is often overlooked. "They think 'I'm just looking after my parents' or, you know, 'I'm just caring for a child with special needs' ... [and are not] seeking those supports that are available to them, like respite or counselling, or peer groups that may help," said Annabel Reid, CEO of Carers Australia. Most carers will care for years before they seek out assistance, meaning they're usually in "quite a bad place when they seek help", Ms Reid said. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates 11.9 per cent of the population were carers in 2024 - including 1.2 million primary carers and 1.9 million carers who were not primary carers - who support a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail. Read more at The Senior: Linley Wilkie, a journalist with ACM (publisher of this masthead), is the eldest child in her family, "and usually [her] parent's first port of call". "Dad is 83 and Mum is 74. They've been fit, healthy and socially active for most of their lives, however, things took a turn when Dad was diagnosed with melanoma at the end of 2019," she told The Senior. "The ongoing immunotherapy treatment has been amazing, but it ultimately rocked their world and I feel like my status as 'firstborn' grew to include 'carer' at about this point ... on the flip side, care for my teenage sons is daily, filled with the usual things you'd expect in a busy family." The Victorian resident lives an hour and 20-minutes drive from her parents, so teaching them "lifehacks" (like how to do online shopping, how to spot a scam email or how to find Cancer Council support services) and outsourcing jobs like cleaning where she can has been helpful. "When I visit, I'll drive them to the post office, or the bank, and other services they feel more comfortable still undertaking in person," she said. *I think I'd feel incredibly guilty if I wasn't in a position to look after them at the drop of a hat ... not because they'd impress guilt upon me, but because I was brought up to appreciate the importance of people looking after each other - I feel that deeply when it concerns the person who raised me to be who I am today. "I genuinely love caring for them! There's a real sense of pride and satisfaction in seeing them regain their health and independence." Ms Wilkie said she was fortunate to have no financial implications for being "sandwiched between the needs of her ageing parents and growing teenage sons", though she does feel "overstretched" on occasion - a plight of many others in a similar situation. Ms Wilkie said she tries to manage her wellbeing by taking time out for herself, like catching up with friends or watching a favourite television show. "Simple things that give me joy and require minimal effort," she said. "Try not to feel bad for yourself when you're doing the caring while others wait, being able to look after the generations before and after you is part of many modern-day families. Cherish the time you have left with your parents and instil similar values in your children, so that one day, caring for you will come naturally to them (aka the circle of life)!" The latest research around the "sandwich generation" has revealed on average, caregivers spend around 31.7 hours on average per week doing unpaid care for both older and younger generations, juggled with around 21 hours on average of work each week. The Australian Seniors: Sandwich Generation Report 2025 also found nine in 10 of those surveyed had experienced caregiving burnout (emotional and physical exhaustion, sleep issues), 65 per cent of those surveyed were concerned about long-term health impacts of caregiving, though a third of carers reported they did engage in self-care strategies (like regular exercise, seeking support and taking breaks). Join the conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. In some cultures, looking after your elderly parents is part of society norm, in others it's mandated by law (like China and France). In Australia, it can be a personal choice, though many are oblivious to their role and don't identify as a "carer" - meaning wellbeing is often overlooked. "They think 'I'm just looking after my parents' or, you know, 'I'm just caring for a child with special needs' ... [and are not] seeking those supports that are available to them, like respite or counselling, or peer groups that may help," said Annabel Reid, CEO of Carers Australia. Most carers will care for years before they seek out assistance, meaning they're usually in "quite a bad place when they seek help", Ms Reid said. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates 11.9 per cent of the population were carers in 2024 - including 1.2 million primary carers and 1.9 million carers who were not primary carers - who support a family member or friend who has a disability, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail. Read more at The Senior: Linley Wilkie, a journalist with ACM (publisher of this masthead), is the eldest child in her family, "and usually [her] parent's first port of call". "Dad is 83 and Mum is 74. They've been fit, healthy and socially active for most of their lives, however, things took a turn when Dad was diagnosed with melanoma at the end of 2019," she told The Senior. "The ongoing immunotherapy treatment has been amazing, but it ultimately rocked their world and I feel like my status as 'firstborn' grew to include 'carer' at about this point ... on the flip side, care for my teenage sons is daily, filled with the usual things you'd expect in a busy family." The Victorian resident lives an hour and 20-minutes drive from her parents, so teaching them "lifehacks" (like how to do online shopping, how to spot a scam email or how to find Cancer Council support services) and outsourcing jobs like cleaning where she can has been helpful. "When I visit, I'll drive them to the post office, or the bank, and other services they feel more comfortable still undertaking in person," she said. *I think I'd feel incredibly guilty if I wasn't in a position to look after them at the drop of a hat ... not because they'd impress guilt upon me, but because I was brought up to appreciate the importance of people looking after each other - I feel that deeply when it concerns the person who raised me to be who I am today. "I genuinely love caring for them! There's a real sense of pride and satisfaction in seeing them regain their health and independence." Ms Wilkie said she was fortunate to have no financial implications for being "sandwiched between the needs of her ageing parents and growing teenage sons", though she does feel "overstretched" on occasion - a plight of many others in a similar situation. Ms Wilkie said she tries to manage her wellbeing by taking time out for herself, like catching up with friends or watching a favourite television show. "Simple things that give me joy and require minimal effort," she said. "Try not to feel bad for yourself when you're doing the caring while others wait, being able to look after the generations before and after you is part of many modern-day families. Cherish the time you have left with your parents and instil similar values in your children, so that one day, caring for you will come naturally to them (aka the circle of life)!" The latest research around the "sandwich generation" has revealed on average, caregivers spend around 31.7 hours on average per week doing unpaid care for both older and younger generations, juggled with around 21 hours on average of work each week. The Australian Seniors: Sandwich Generation Report 2025 also found nine in 10 of those surveyed had experienced caregiving burnout (emotional and physical exhaustion, sleep issues), 65 per cent of those surveyed were concerned about long-term health impacts of caregiving, though a third of carers reported they did engage in self-care strategies (like regular exercise, seeking support and taking breaks). Join the conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sarah Jessica Parker Says She's Raising Her Kids to Support Themselves 'Emotionally' and 'Financially'
Sarah Jessica Parker Says She's Raising Her Kids to Support Themselves 'Emotionally' and 'Financially' originally appeared on WeHaveKids. Mama knows best, and Sarah Jessica Parker isn't afraid to let her kids know this when it comes to their career ambitions. That's likely because at least one of her three children has their eyes set on a career in the television and movie industry. But, SJP has some wise words for them before they get started, and honestly this is great advice for any parent to give their child. Related: Michelle Obama Celebrates An Adorable First With Daughter Malia The mother of three sat down with E! News as part of the Sitddown with Bruce Bozzi, where she shared the advice she had given her and Matthew Roderick's oldest child, James Wilkie as he embarked on an acting career of his own. 'I really want my children to be educated in the ways that are fulfilling to them,' she said. 'I don't think that there is one way to be an educated person or to be equipped to be an adult and try to fashion a life for yourself after what would be considered 'finishing college'—let's say 22 years old.' Instead, she said that she wanted them to be more focused on things they find appealing. 'You want for them to be pursuing things that are exciting and challenging and hard and gratifying and to be able to ultimately take care of themselves, support themselves — emotionally, financially, and that they can be in the world and be a reliable person to themselves and to other people," she continued, adding that this was the way that she and Broderick framed work when they discussed it at home. And, they must be discussing it a lot lately, considering Wilkie and Broderick just starred together in an episode of CBS's series Elsbeth. Well, with the apple not falling far from the family tree, we're sure that Wilkie and his two sisters will likely have fulfilling lives and careers, no matter what job opportunities they pursue. Although, it really does seem like Wilkie at least will be destined for his own Hollywood future. Up Next:Sarah Jessica Parker Says She's Raising Her Kids to Support Themselves 'Emotionally' and 'Financially' first appeared on WeHaveKids on May 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by WeHaveKids on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Ottawa Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Davis: Documentary film about Swift Current Broncos bus crash invokes painful memories
There's a scene in the documentary film 'Sideways' where the Swift Current Broncos' soon-to-be disgraced head coach Graham James is being interviewed shortly after the WHL team's 1986 bus crash, which killed four players and scarred the survivors. Article content It's jarring to hear James speak about quickly and heartlessly moving the team forward, past the tragedy and back onto the ice, because everyone now knows the coach was a predator who was sent to prison for sexually assaulting several of his players. James didn't want anyone — particularly psychologists — to comfort his players and discover the hidden secrets that made worse the trauma they suffered from losing teammates Scott Kruger, Trent Kresse, Brent Ruff and Chris Mantyka. Article content Article content Article content Wilkie is the president of I Got Mind, a company that according to its website 'provides valuable educational programming that enhances wellness, strengthens cultures, and increases performance for any team or individual.' Working with Trilight Entertainment, initially there were plans to make a movie about the Broncos before postponing that notion to produce the documentary, develop a podcast and establish a '4 The Boys Scholarship.' Article content Wilkie has been working in the mental health field for 20 years — strengthened on his path by his marriage to Michaelynn and their two children — while working with athletes, coaches, parents, schools and businesses. Wilkie and Soberlak also visited with families following the Humboldt Broncos fatal bus crash in 2018. Article content Article content 'When we go through life there are things we don't like and we try to leave them in the past,' said Wilkie. 'This is everything, front and centre. That's the hard part for a lot of people. They can't be vulnerable to share their story. Article content Article content 'It is uncomfortable to share your story. But there's power in it.' Article content Including Wednesday's showing at the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina, there have been sneak previews to help raise money for the projects. According to Andrea Hoffman, one of the executive producers, Sideways will officially premiere Sept. 8 at the Hockey Hall of Fame, with hopes it will be accepted into the Toronto International Film Festival. Article content 'I still can't watch it too much because it's so emotional, knowing the impact it's going to have on people who watch it,' said Wilkie. 'It's a story of trauma and healing for young men and a community who experienced something horrific.
Calgary Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Davis: Documentary film about Swift Current Broncos bus crash invokes painful memories
There's a scene in the documentary film 'Sideways' where the Swift Current Broncos' soon-to-be disgraced head coach Graham James is being interviewed shortly after the WHL team's 1986 bus crash, which killed four players and scarred the survivors. Article content It's jarring to hear James speak about quickly and heartlessly moving the team forward, past the tragedy and back onto the ice, because everyone now knows the coach was a predator who was sent to prison for sexually assaulting several of his players. James didn't want anyone — particularly psychologists — to comfort his players and discover the hidden secrets that made worse the trauma they suffered from losing teammates Scott Kruger, Trent Kresse, Brent Ruff and Chris Mantyka. Article content Article content Article content Wilkie is the president of I Got Mind, a company that according to its website 'provides valuable educational programming that enhances wellness, strengthens cultures, and increases performance for any team or individual.' Working with Trilight Entertainment, initially there were plans to make a movie about the Broncos before postponing that notion to produce the documentary, develop a podcast and establish a '4 The Boys Scholarship.' Article content Wilkie has been working in the mental health field for 20 years — strengthened on his path by his marriage to Michaelynn and their two children — while working with athletes, coaches, parents, schools and businesses. Wilkie and Soberlak also visited with families following the Humboldt Broncos fatal bus crash in 2018. Article content Article content 'When we go through life there are things we don't like and we try to leave them in the past,' said Wilkie. 'This is everything, front and centre. That's the hard part for a lot of people. They can't be vulnerable to share their story. Article content Article content 'It is uncomfortable to share your story. But there's power in it.' Article content Including Wednesday's showing at the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina, there have been sneak previews to help raise money for the projects. According to Andrea Hoffman, one of the executive producers, Sideways will officially premiere Sept. 8 at the Hockey Hall of Fame, with hopes it will be accepted into the Toronto International Film Festival. Article content 'I still can't watch it too much because it's so emotional, knowing the impact it's going to have on people who watch it,' said Wilkie. 'It's a story of trauma and healing for young men and a community who experienced something horrific.
Otago Daily Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
‘Stage on stage' performing arts venue option
The Regent Theatre Trust's proposal of an up to 350-seat "stage on a stage" venue could put an end to the vexed question of developing a performing arts centre for Dunedin, at least in the short term. It is one of four options that will be presented to Dunedin city councillors during nine-year plan deliberations on Monday. It would require borrowing $1.4 million to fund the plan, a report by Dunedin City Council creative partnerships team leader Lisa Wilkie said. Still, it would not meet "all long-term sector needs", Ms Wilkie said. "There are still some unknowns for staff to work through with the trust to better understand the operational implications of the 'stage on a stage' proposal. "This includes how quickly the initiative could be implemented, when new programming could begin, what new opportunities will be available to the wider performing arts community and what impact this may have on the existing Regent Theatre programme." If councillors opted to pursue the stage-on-a-stage idea council staff and the trust would work through those issues and report back to the council by August with a more detailed account of the "operational implications, benefits to the community and potential risks" of the proposal, she said. There would be minimal disruption to the theatre's existing programming; the concept had the backing of national theatre practitioners and touring companies; and it would provide an interim venue while "medium to long-term solutions" were pursued, she said. However, the community's use of the venue would rely on the Regent Theatre's ability to provide affordable access to it and the plan could "divert attention and funding from permanent venue solutions". Ms Wilkie's report said since 2018, the council had worked with the performing arts community to address "a long-standing gap in mid-sized theatre infrastructure". Her report traversed the history of the Charcoalblue study from 2018 to 2021, which resulted in $17.1m being set aside for a venue in the 2021-31 plan and a direction to council staff to engage further with the performing arts community. (The $17.1m funding was removed from the 2025-34 draft plan.) Three years ago, the Playhouse Theatre, the Athenaeum and the Mayfair Theatre formed the Dunedin Theatre Network elected to focus on formulating a solution. The network proposed to work with the council and others to refurbish the three venues. Then late last year an informal collective known as the "performing arts group", working with council staff, proposed a $5.79m redevelopment of The Playhouse Theatre, a $15.48m redevelopment of "the New Athenaeum" and a $28.02m new performing arts centre. Option 2 in front of councillors was to put $75,000 towards a business plan for this three-venue proposal, Ms Wilkie said. However, Ms Wilkie noted this option did not address short-term infrastructure gaps and "without a funding commitment, the Playhouse Theatre anticipates closing in two years' time". The third option in front of councillors was to allocate $3.5m in seed funding in years 2 and 3 of the plan towards the refurbishment of the Playhouse Theatre. The fourth option was for councillors to provide a different solution. "In all scenarios, staff will continue to work collaboratively, and in partnership, with the performing arts community to support their work in Ōtepoti Dunedin," she said.
