Title: 7 Cultures That Celebrate Aging And Respect Their Elders | HuffPost Life
Headings: 7 Cultures That Celebrate Aging And Respect Their Elders
7 Cultures That Celebrate Aging And Respect Their Elders
Here's what we can learn from other cultures, both past and present, about embracing the aging process.
"Old man" isn't a bad word in Greek.
Native American elders pass down their knowledge.
In Korea, elders are highly respected.
Chinese children care for their parents in old age.
In India, elders are the head of the family.
In the African-American community, death is seen as an opportunity to celebrate life.
In ancient Rome, elders were a precious resource.

Content: Chinese children care for their parents in old age. As in Korea, Chinese families traditionally view filial piety and respect for one's elders as the highest virtue, deriving from the Confucian tradition. Although westernization has lessened the power of these values in some cities and communities, adult children are still generally expected to care for their parents in their old age. "Placing your parents in retirement homes will see you labeled as uncaring or a bad son," Beijing resident Zhou Rui told China.org. " To abandon one's family is considered deeply dishonorable." However, this tradition is beginning to break down in China, due to the country's one-child policy, rising life expectancy and an aging population. Nursing homes are beginning to become a more socially acceptable option for elderly care. In India, elders are the head of the family. Many Indians live in joint family units, with the elders acting as the head of the household. The elders are supported by the younger members of the family and they in turn play a key role in raising their grandchildren.