Is this really an empty nest - or are more of us living in an open nest?

In this solo episode of Home After 50, Juli Ford reflects on life as Gen X in the sandwich generation, where adult children move in and out, aging parents need support, and the meaning of home is constantly evolving.

With two adult children stepping into independence and an aging parent living at home, Juli shares honest reflections on multi-generational living, caregiving, shifting family roles, and the emotional complexity of midlife.

This episode offers a grounded reframe of the traditional empty nest narrative and explores what home looks like for Gen X families today.

If you’re navigating an open nest, supporting aging parents, or redefining home after 50, this conversation will resonate deeply.

In This Episode, Juli Discusses:

• Open nest vs empty nest and why the old narrative no longer fits Gen X
• Life in the sandwich generation
• Adult children leaving, returning, and everything in between
• Supporting aging parents while building your own next chapter
• How multi-generational living supports real life after 50
• Why this season is about expansion, not loss
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Multi-Generational Living Guide: juliford.com/multi-gen
• The Complete Multi-Gen Family Toolkit: juliford.com/multi-gen
• Instagram: @itsjuliford
• Email: [email protected]