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Why do different cultures view the elderly so differently? Explore the global differences in the concept of old age!
Around the world, people’s definitions of “old age” and their social roles vary. Whether in developed or developing countries, perceptions of older people have implicit cultural, social and historical influences. This article will explore multiple aspects of how different cultures shape perceptions of the elderly and how this influence the quality of their lives.
Old age is not a single biological stage, and the age range considered "old age" varies from culture to culture.
Diversity of definitions of old age
Different countries and cultures have different definitions of "old age", which can be mainly divided into official definitions and sub-group definitions. For example, in Western developed countries, the age of 65 is usually regarded as the retirement age and is often considered a sign of old age. However, the United Nations defines old age as over 60 years old, and in Sub-Saharan Africa the figure is 50 years old. These differences stem in part from differences in cultural perceptions and life expectations for the elderly.
In developing countries, people tend to decide who counts as an older person based on their contribution and participation in society, rather than relying solely on age.
Diversity of the elderly population
The living conditions of the elderly are diverse. Many studies divide older adults into different subgroups: for example young-old (60-69 years old), middle-old (70-79 years old) and old-old (over 80 years old). Such a distinction helps to more accurately depict the life changes and social needs of different age groups.
Social attitudes under the influence of culture
Society's perception of the elderly is deeply influenced by culture. In some cultures, older people are seen as symbols of wisdom and are respected and revered, while in others, old age may be associated with incompetence and failure. This reflects the existence of "age discrimination" and society's unequal treatment of the elderly.
Social traditions, economic status and education levels all influence people's attitudes towards the elderly and cause corresponding social problems in different cultures.
Ageing and mental health
As we grow older, mental health has become an important issue facing the elderly. According to surveys, older people generally have higher rates of depression and loneliness. Many older adults may feel lonely due to the loss of a family member or friend. However, social support systems and the availability of mental health services also vary widely across countries. Taking Japan as an example, the culture of respecting the elderly allows the elderly to live more stably in society; while some Western countries provide relatively insufficient support to the elderly.
Measures to improve the lives of the elderly
Many countries are gradually beginning to realize the need to improve the lives of the elderly and have launched a series of policies and social services. For example, designing barrier-free public facilities, community support programs, and health management services are all aimed at improving the quality of life and social participation of the elderly. However, the effectiveness of these measures will vary depending on the economic conditions and cultural background of countries and regions.
Conclusion
As the world ages, it becomes even more important to understand and respect how older people are viewed in different cultures. We need to think deeply about how to promote the physical and mental health and social care of the elderly in different cultural backgrounds?
