When comparing the countries of China and Japan to one another, it is evident that their belief systems and cultures are strikingly similar. Confucianism and its philosophy are the foundation upon which each of these countries beliefs and traditions stem from. From the perspective of the elders in these countries, there seem to be a lessening amount of children making up the population (Ho 1992). Despite these similarities, there are clear differences between the aging experience in these two countries. One of these differences being the longevity of Japanese elder being higher than that of the Chinese elders (Global Health and Aging; Population Reference Bureau, 1998) .This paper will examine similarities and differences (such as these) between
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More specifically, the principles of Confucianism are what many Japanese traditions are based upon. In the aforementioned paragraph, these principles put emphasis on living in harmony with other people and the mutual dependence between individuals. The perspective and treatment of older Japanese adults (as well as the choices made) are influenced by these values. Speaking from a traditional lense, the people of China and Japan seem to resemble one another. The way elders are treated by younger individuals as well as the amount of respect they perceive is very similar. This can be proven by looking at the population statistics of each of these countries. By the year 2025, the amount of individuals who are age 65 and older will reach an astonishing 190 million, 30 million of the people being 80 years old or older (Population Reference Bureau, 1998) . The amount of individuals that are 65 and older in China is expected to grow from its population of 110 million to an impressive 330 million by 2050 (Global Health and Aging). In 1975, there were roughly six children for every adult in China however by the year 2035 there are estimated to be two older Chinese adults for every child. Similarly, the population of Japan is also growing. Although the net population of Japan is estimated to decline by a significant amount by the year 2030, the population aged 65 years …show more content…
When Chinese people reach the age in which is considered “old”, spending time and enjoy the company of children becomes of huge importance to them. Reaching this stage in their life is considered as successful aging to them. Although there are a good amount of people who reach this stage in their life, the care of the elder people is problematic. These problems can stem from the fact that parents are only allowed to have one child and more women are entering the workforce than before. This results in a reduction of traditional families with older adults and less people available to care for them (Joseph & Phillips,
More specifically, the principles of Confucianism are what many Japanese traditions are based upon. In the aforementioned paragraph, these principles put emphasis on living in harmony with other people and the mutual dependence between individuals. The perspective and treatment of older Japanese adults (as well as the choices made) are influenced by these values. Speaking from a traditional lense, the people of China and Japan seem to resemble one another. The way elders are treated by younger individuals as well as the amount of respect they perceive is very similar. This can be proven by looking at the population statistics of each of these countries. By the year 2025, the amount of individuals who are age 65 and older will reach an astonishing 190 million, 30 million of the people being 80 years old or older (Population Reference Bureau, 1998) . The amount of individuals that are 65 and older in China is expected to grow from its population of 110 million to an impressive 330 million by 2050 (Global Health and Aging). In 1975, there were roughly six children for every adult in China however by the year 2035 there are estimated to be two older Chinese adults for every child. Similarly, the population of Japan is also growing. Although the net population of Japan is estimated to decline by a significant amount by the year 2030, the population aged 65 years …show more content…
When Chinese people reach the age in which is considered “old”, spending time and enjoy the company of children becomes of huge importance to them. Reaching this stage in their life is considered as successful aging to them. Although there are a good amount of people who reach this stage in their life, the care of the elder people is problematic. These problems can stem from the fact that parents are only allowed to have one child and more women are entering the workforce than before. This results in a reduction of traditional families with older adults and less people available to care for them (Joseph & Phillips,