2014年职称英语教材综合类补全短文新增文章：The Sandwich Gener

　　"sandwiched" in between the older and the younger generations. Sometimes there may be two or three generations living in the same household -- a situation that is common in many Asian

　　countries and in some parts of Europe. In other cases, a couple may be taking care of parents and children, but they do not live with them.

　　There are two important reasons for the rise of the sandwich generation. First, people are living longer than they used to. In the early nineteenth century, the average life expectancy for adults in the United States, for example, was about 40, whereas today people live to an average age of 75. ( 2 )__________. The second reason is that these days, young adults often live with their parents for a longer time than they did in the past. This is often for financial reasons. It's also more common for today's young adults to return home during or after college if they need financial or emotional support.

　　(3)__________ . They may have to cover expenses that their parents cannot. They may have to manage their parents' financial and legal affairs. They may have to prepare for their parents' future needs, such as special medical care or a move to a nursing home. This can be a traumatic experience for every, one.

　　Caring for adult children presents challenges as well, and caregivers have to resolve important questions: How can financial responsibilities be shared among members of the household? How can household chores be shared? What is the best way to ensure everyone's privacy?(4)__________

　　The financial and emotional pressures on the sandwich generation can be overwhelming.

　　However, this time in life also has its rewards. (5)__________ . It can also provide a

　　valuable opportunity to spend more time with them. However, in order to survive this difficult period in their lives, the members of the sandwich generation must remember that they also need to pay attention to their own needs and look after the quality of their own lives. They can't be totally selfless.

　　注释： 

　　1．two ongoing responsibilities意为“同时担负两项责任”。

　　2．It，S also more common for today’s young adults to retum home during or after college if they need financial or emotional support．：现在，年轻人在上大学期间或毕业后还会回家，以寻求经济或情感支持，这种情况也很常见。

　　3．Successfully coping with these issues Can avoid a lot of stress for the whole family．：成功解决这些问题，就可以为整个家庭减轻很大负担。

　　练习：

　　A. Successfully coping with these issues can avoid a lot of stress for the whole family. 

　　B. Therefore, children are taking care of their parents Over a longer period of time.

　　C. People who take care of elderly parents often face difficult issues.

　　D. Young adults feel sandwiched between their financial responsibilities and their desire to enjoy life.

　　E. However the reality is often very different.

　　F. It can be a time to rediscover the special qualities of one's parents or children.