The sandwich generation. People performing the balancing act of caring for both their children and their aging parents. (And no doubt trying to maintain their own sanity.)

In 25 years, it is estimated there will be 60 million Americans between the ages of 66 and 84. Most of them will need care of some sort. And the personal becomes the political. Dr. Kane says, "We need to create creative indignation." Families are the backbone of long-term care, and without it, the system would collapse entirely.

Still, there is a toll. There are emotional, psychological and financial demands on caregivers—from both the aging parents and young children. And Kane calls it like he sees it. "Let's be honest. When we say 'caregivers', we mean women!

There's also a disparity in how disability is viewed in young people versus the elderly. For young people, it has become a civil rights issue. They will not be denied access to services and opportunities. With older people, however, there is a sense of resignation that it's inevitable. With that, there seems to be reluctance to expend too much time, energy or money to invest in their needs.

As the older population becomes a strong political force, public policy is changing to support family care and the needs of caregivers. There may be a gradual rise in multiple generations living together. Washington Post columnist Abigail Trafford is part of what she terms a "club" sandwich. She's got grown children, young grandchildren, and a 95-year-old stepmother, all of whom are looking out for each other.

As host Alan Rosenberg points out, by negotiating changes in their parents' quality of life, the sandwich generation can make a great impact for themselves.

LIFE (PART 2) is a smart, daring series on the subject of aging. It's a straight-talking show filled with honesty, integrity and humor. Each half-hour episode, host Alan Rosenberg and a panel of regular contributors, guest experts and celebrities delve deeply into a range of topics. Each features visits to people around the country; freewheeling, roundtable discussions; one-on-one interviews; and brief personal essays.

Do you ever wonder what the meaning of life is?

Well, Life (Part 2) is about life. It's an innovative series by and about the whopping 26% of the American population who are 55 and older (and you know who you are).

You've got questions. And although we might not have all the answers, Life (Part 2) is all about diving in and asking, exploring, and challenging. It's not your grandparents' show about getting old. It's about the new "old" age; it's about aging vitally and vibrantly, defying ageist stereotypes, and still having a clear-eyed view of the challenges that come with this new territory. It is about redefining what the second part of life is all about.

Hosted by actor (and backgammon champ) Alan Rosenberg, each episode offers valuable insight and depth about the art and science of aging with healthy doses of irreverence and humor. We may not be able to answer the big questions, like "What is the meaning of life? How do we make the most of our time on this planet? Paper or plastic?" But, Life (Part 2) can tell you a lot about living. And really, isn't that what it's all about?