Title: In Your Country, What Is the Role of Elderly People?
Headings: In Your Country, What Is the Role of Elderly People?
In Your Country, What Is the Role of Elderly People?
By Quora Contributor
Advertisement

Content: In India, the elderly are held in high regard. In a typical Indian joint family (meaning two or more generations of siblings and cousins living in the same house), the eldest members head the household. Advice is always sought from them on a range of issues, from investment of family money to nitty-gritties of traditional wedding rituals and intra-family conflicts. And this is not just passive advice; their word is final in settling disputes. Advertisement
The elderly are often the most religious and charitable members of the family. In India, religion and charity are often closely linked, and the elderly lead the way in giving to the needy. Grandfathers and grandmothers play a significant part in bringing up children. From babysitting and storytelling, to cooking for and feeding the kids, they provide a unique kind of loving care, which is one of the best parts about growing up in a joint family. Advertisement
Advertisement
The different Indian regional communities have strong internal strong support systems for their members, and veterans of these groups are critical to networking within these groups, providing younger people with vital introductions which lead to business and romantic opportunities (think arranged marriages).