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Honoring the Elderly Around the World
Many people view age 60 and older as elderly adults, but different cultures have different
attitudes and practices around the aging elderly. The Latino culture emphasizes respect for the
elderly. Their households are very family-oriented and have strong family ties. It is a way of life
for them to care for a loved one or parent is gratifying because it is a way to fulfill what they
have been raised to do. Seniors are considered the wisdom and knowledge of their culture. Many
households have the traditional structure of housing several generations under one roof.
Although many elderlies are weak and cannot live independently, they are welcomed to stay
together in their children's homes. Elderly grandparents support and care for the family. They
contribute to the household by preparing meals and caring for their grandchildren. They are also
considered the head of the family, and their advice is also valued highly. Being old is regarded as
an asset and not a liability for their children.
On the other hand, the United States cultures tend to place great value on individualism
and independence. More Americans have chosen to focus on their careers and personal life goals
and decided to live a single and childless life. While many families and religions honor and value
their elders with dignity and appreciation, America is one of the places around the world where
seniors are not always given the respect they deserve. Today, elderly adults in western cultures
are living lonely without their children and relatives. As their health weakens, they often move to
senior care facilities. The Pew Research Center survey also finds that in the United States, 46%
of the public says that "the primary responsibility for the economic well-being of people in their
old age rests with the elderly themselves" (20). Hence, this is why people in the United States are
less likely to consider the aging population as a significant problem.
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Latino countries, while still comparatively young, is aging fast. According to the Pew
Research Center survey, "the rapid increases in median age are a reflection of the rising
proportions of seniors (65 and older) in the populations of all countries . . . it may triple in
Mexico from 6.0% to 20.2%, and in Brazil, from 6.9% to 22.5%. The share almost doubles in
Argentina, rising to 19.4% in 2050" (26). The aging of the population brings a lot of challenges
to pension and health systems. As societies age, the proportion of people with difficulties to
accomplish daily tasks increases, and they need the help and care of others. Latino families also
undergo changes that make it difficult for the family to care for their older parents in the future.
High rates of family poverty among Latino suggest the urgent need for female labor force
participation. Women could no longer stay at home to care for aging parents. In some Latino
countries, emigration to the United States has also accelerated the aging process. Younger
generations moved away to look for jobs, leaving behind and depleting the financial support for
the elderly parents. The reduction in family size, the decrease in birth rates, loss of traditional
cultural values, and greater marital instability are additional factors that make it harder for
households to maintain the traditional ways of life.
In the future, we will face many more difficult choices with aging elderly who can no
longer live and care for themselves independently. But it is clear that the traditional way of
supporting family members as caregivers cannot continue. The rapid population aging in Latino
countries, combined with the growing poverty and economic crisis, will put strains on the
government's responsibility and challenge to provide health care, housing, and financial support
for this ever-increasing aging population during the 21st century. Countries must prepare
themselves to face the pressures that will come. The sooner they do, the conditions of the
vulnerability of older adults will diminish.
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Works Cited
“Attitudes about Aging: A Global Perspective.” Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project,
Pew Research Center, 30 Dec. 2019, www.pewresearch.org/global/2014/01/30/attitudesabout-aging-a-global-perspective/.
How Difference Cultures View Elders.
wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/3918/4012970/NursingTools/ch23_CultViewElders_
407.pdf.
Martinez-Carter, Karina. “How the Elderly Are Treated around the World.” The Week - All You
Need to Know about Everything That Matters, The Week, 23 July 2013,
theweek.com/articles/462230/how-elderly-are-treated-around-world.