According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most developed countries generally consider ‘older adults’ as individuals who are 65-years-old and older (2009). Additionally, beyond chronological age, an individual’s age can also be outlined by encompassing biological, psychological, and socio-cultural processes (Cohen, 2002). Although there are other ways to define one’s age, such as an individual’s social roles, their physical ability level, their physical appearance, and an individual’s subjective assessment of how old they feel (Cohen, 2002). The global population of individuals who are 65 year old and older has increased by 5 to 7 percent between 1950 to 2010 and is expected to continue to increase (Lee, 2009). China, in particular,
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In North America, the media tends to portray negative cultural attitudes toward the elderly, as our society tends to glorify physical signs of youth by associating youth with beauty and sexuality (Little & McGivern, 2013). Many people in our society struggle to fully understand the aging process until they reach old age themselves, which may be related to stereotypes associated with the realities of life as an older adult (Little & McGivern, 2013). However, other cultures embrace the aging process. For example, in Greek and Greek-American culture, the older adults are not only honored, but they are also central to the family dynamic (Healthy Living, 2014). In Asian cultures, families typically have great respect their elders and view them in a positive manner (Aging & Ethnicity, 2011). Additionally, youth in Asian cultures generally always greet their elders formally by bowing, and adult children are expected to take care of their elders, otherwise they risk being labeled as uncaring or dishonorable (Aging & Ethnicity, 2011). Therefore, elder care also differs, like in Asia, for instance, the responsibility lies on the family members, whereas in most Western countries, elders are considered more independent and are expected to tend to their own care (Little & McGivern, …show more content…
Additionally, elders tend to experience certain challenges such as ageism, which involves discrimination and stereotypes like forgetfulness and mental deficiencies that create negative connotations and can lead to misconceptions about their abilities (Richeson & Shelton, 2006, Little & McGivern, 2013). However, these negative connotations regarding the elderly population does not exist everywhere, as different cultures have different attitudes and practices about ages and dying, which can in turn have a huge effect on the way individuals experience getting older. Moreover, as health care improves and life expectancies increase throughout the world, there will be an increased need for older adult care, despite the amount and type of elder care varying from culture to
In North America, the media tends to portray negative cultural attitudes toward the elderly, as our society tends to glorify physical signs of youth by associating youth with beauty and sexuality (Little & McGivern, 2013). Many people in our society struggle to fully understand the aging process until they reach old age themselves, which may be related to stereotypes associated with the realities of life as an older adult (Little & McGivern, 2013). However, other cultures embrace the aging process. For example, in Greek and Greek-American culture, the older adults are not only honored, but they are also central to the family dynamic (Healthy Living, 2014). In Asian cultures, families typically have great respect their elders and view them in a positive manner (Aging & Ethnicity, 2011). Additionally, youth in Asian cultures generally always greet their elders formally by bowing, and adult children are expected to take care of their elders, otherwise they risk being labeled as uncaring or dishonorable (Aging & Ethnicity, 2011). Therefore, elder care also differs, like in Asia, for instance, the responsibility lies on the family members, whereas in most Western countries, elders are considered more independent and are expected to tend to their own care (Little & McGivern, …show more content…
Additionally, elders tend to experience certain challenges such as ageism, which involves discrimination and stereotypes like forgetfulness and mental deficiencies that create negative connotations and can lead to misconceptions about their abilities (Richeson & Shelton, 2006, Little & McGivern, 2013). However, these negative connotations regarding the elderly population does not exist everywhere, as different cultures have different attitudes and practices about ages and dying, which can in turn have a huge effect on the way individuals experience getting older. Moreover, as health care improves and life expectancies increase throughout the world, there will be an increased need for older adult care, despite the amount and type of elder care varying from culture to