They are the Sandwich Generation. More than 1.3 million people in the U.K. are now caring for elderly or sick parents as well as their own children.

Their emergence is the result of rising life expectancy and more people leaving it until later to have children, often to pursue careers or build financial security. But, as new analysis shows, the squeeze is taking a heavy toll.

One in three sandwich carers say they are “just about getting by” financially, and one in 10 are finding it difficult to cope, according to the Office for National Statistics. They are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety.