A few months ago we covered one aspect of longevity — whether the riskof outliving your resources is greater than the risk of dying tooyoung. Increased longevity is also changing the social and economicpressure many in the workforce feel, and as benefit professionalswe need to consider how we can help. I like to refer to this issueas the sandwich and the barbell because they are two aspects oflongevity, putting pressure on both employees and employers.

Let's start with pressure on employees in the sandwichgeneration. They are sandwiched between parents and grandparentswho need assistance with some part of their daily livingactivities, and children who are dependent on them. These employeeshave to manage their work responsibilities and their family life ina delicate balance. How do they do a good job at work and answerincreasingly challenging family needs?

Now, let's consider the barbell of employees. For many years,baby boomers were the largest working generation in the workplace.Today, we are told that millennials have surpassed boomers and nowrepresent the largest block of workers. Employers are faced withthe retirement of experienced boomers taking a great deal ofcollective wisdom with them. Millennials are replacing theseboomers, but need training and guidance.