How Cultures View Aging Differently

Coming of age When I was 10 I wanted to be 16; at 16, I wanted only to be 21. I cried when my mother turned 30; I thought she was dying of old age. I adored my grandmother. In my mind's eye she was ageless. When she died, I was devastated. How could this be? Somehow I forgot that she was 99. Age is a state of mind. The elderly become frustrated when they cannot function on their own; to some, assistance signifies their weakness. Actually, it is an act of our love. Old age is getting a facelift. The elderly are becoming more aware of methods to increase the power of their bodies and their minds. As baby boomers approach their senior years, the emphasis is on entitlement and independence.

A cultural melting pot

While Americans concentrate on independence, other cultures practice interdependence. Our own American Indians regard their elderly as knowledgeable and their older women as powerful. The grandmother is the heart of the family, and as she ages, the family cares for her in return for her years of devotion.

Latino cultures hold their elders in high regard because of their inner strength. The elderly are the heart of the family. When they can no longer care for themselves, it is expected that their children will care for them.

In Japanese culture, age represents authority and wisdom, and elders act as family advisors. China has the largest population of elderly, and they are valued for their timeless wisdom. In India, the elders are figures of authority and control the wealth of the family.

In America, each culture influences another. As the independent and interdependent combine, we should enjoy the best of both worlds. Americans spend years working toward the golden years. With the right attitude on aging, life can truly begin again.