Perceptions Of Aging

The world’s population is getting older. All around the world people are living longer due to improvements in health care, nutrition, and technology. This shift brings with it incredible possibilities, but also a new set of problems. How do we care for our elderly (Diamond 2010)? There are vast differences in how societies across the globe view, and treat their elderly. Perceptions of aging and the elderly influence societal behaviors and expectations towards our older population (Pasupath&Lockenhoff 2002). Aging is not a biological process, it is also very much a cultural one. Diverse cultures have very different attitudes and beliefs when it comes to the aging, the elderly and death. These diverse cultural perspectives can have a huge effect on getting older. Many cultures celebrate the aging process and show deep care and respect for their elderly. In many cultures when individuals grow old their family and friends care for them until the end of their days. Most would think that the …show more content…
The oldest generation is oft. en relied upon to assist with caring for the youngest generation, while those who can work get jobs outside of the home. When parents condition severely deteriorates formal services may be used by the family, hospitalization, however, is rare (Holmes & Holmes, 1995).
Why concepts of caring for our elderly differ from culture to culture is intriguing. Many factors play a role in the care of our elderly. In many cultures, they see the benefit and honor in caring for their elderly. I too come from a family that cares for their elderly in the home, we believe that this generation has an insight and wisdom that we can grow and learn from and that they can teach our children things that this modern world just does not