Title: How Culture and Society Impact the Elderly
Headings: How Culture and Society Impact the Elderly
How Culture and Society Impact the Elderly
Depending on culture, aging can be seen as an undesirable phenomenon or as an accumulation of wisdom and status.
Learning Objective
Key Points
Terms
Full Text
Cultural views on aging
Aging and Ageism
Eldercare
Cultural Views on Aging and Death

Content: Eldercare
The form of eldercare provided varies greatly among countries and is changing rapidly. Even within the same country, regional differences exist with respect to care for the elderly, often depending on the resources available in a given community or area. However, it has been observed that globally the elderly consume the most health expenditures out of any other age group. Traditionally, eldercare was the responsibility of family members and was provided within an extended family home. Increasingly in U.S. society, eldercare is being provided by state or charitable institutions. In developed countries such as the United States, nearly one million elderly citizens are helped by assisted living facilities. These facilities allow the elderly to keep a sense of independence while providing them with the care and supervision necessary to stay safe. Other elderly people are cared for by members of their family; however, eldercare in the United States is often viewed as a burden by family members who are busy living their own lives, making assisted living and respite-care facilities a commonly chosen option. Cultural Views on Aging and Death
While countries like the United States and Japan focus more on independent care, Indian culture places greater emphasis on respect and family care for the elderly.