Is It Fair To Say That Western Culture Doesn’t Care Or Provide For The Elderly As Much As Eastern Cultures Do?
I am told quite often that Western countries don’t respect and care for their elders as much as their Eastern counterparts do. I don’t know any Eastern countries who provide state pensions(SS), welfare, subsidised or free housing, senior discounts, health care, transport etc all paid for by taxpayers money. Keep in mind that Western societies have to support three times the elderly population as Eastern cultures do. Maybe Eastern societies provide more emotional care and support for the elderly but when the elderly have built a nation based on monetary value how can you blame us when we support you financially? What are your thoughts on this?
I am not sure that I agree with you. There is a gentlemen on here quite frequently (I believe he is from India) and he always asking questions about getting help for his aging family members (free of charge of course)! I live in the USA – am a senior, disabled, living on the pension I earned, plus some investments (small) and my SS – recently was told that I could no longer live on my own for health reasons. I talked to my Dr. and he immediately put me on Hospice – my SS and private insurance pay for this! And best of all I can stay in my home. As I have said, on this site, many times before – regardless of where you live – there is no such thing as a free lunch!
Good Q. HDB! Have a star! CJ
I believe it’s fair to say. It might not be accurate though. You said yourself that eastern cultures may provide more emotional care. Perhaps then it is not a question of which culture provides more as it is a question of difference. Same level, different services.
I pay full rent’ taxation heating TV license everything that a young man pays, and I live on my own.
To pay for these, I have to withdraw my life savings,
I still have to work’ and I am 69yrs.
this subject is a controversial subject, because’ I am paying for other
idle people, and I have always worked since 15yrs old
those in power need to look into this.
From what I know of Eastern cultures through the Cambodian families I knew, several generations live in the same house as they used to in the US.
I have seen [western] families sticking their parents/grandparents in nursing homes & then hardly ever visiting.
In our culture elders are not respected for their experience and wisdom. I can’t say for sure how other countries treat them but in the US ageism is certainly common. Getting old is frowned upon instead of embraced.