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When Roles Reverse: Parenting Our Parents

We’re living longer, and that’s reshaping family life. More people are finding themselves steppin...

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01.00 30 Mar 2026


When Roles Reverse: Parenting Our Parents


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01.00 30 Mar 2026


We’re living longer, and that’s reshaping family life. More people are finding themselves stepping into a role they never expected: caring for their own parents. It often happens gradually until, one day, the balance has shifted. On today’s Newstalk Daily, Shane Beatty explores the reality of “parenting your parents.” 

Shane and clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy explore this role reversal, something they’ve both experienced over the past few years. They look at the rise of the “sandwich generation,” balancing children, careers, and ageing parents. And they discuss anticipatory grief — the sense of loss that can come before death, particularly in cases like dementia. If you’re experiencing this, you’re not alone. 

You can share your story at newstalkdaily@newstalk.com. 


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