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: Traditionally, elder care has been the responsibility of family members and was provided within an extended-family home. However, increasingly in modern societies, elder care is being provided by state or charitable institutions. Assisted living facilities allow the elderly to keep a sense of independence while providing them with care and supervision necessary to stay safe. 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. People also perceive death based on the values of their culture. In the United States, it is fairly normal to view death as a loss and something to be feared, as opposed to a natural or tranquil transition. Terms
self-fulfilling prophecy
A prediction that, by being voiced, causes itself to come true. prejudice
An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts. culture
The beliefs, values, behavior, and material objects that constitute a people's way of life. Full Text
How people view and perceive the aging process varies greatly from culture to culture.