Directions: Please Research Your Own Culture's Treatm 555683

Directions Please Research Your Own Cultures Treatment Of Older Adult

Please research your own culture's treatment of older adults. Compare and contrast that with another culture's treatment of the elderly. Use your book, the following websites, and other valid and reliable sources to support your paper. It must be at least a full page double spaced (no name or title needed at the top of the page). It should be double spaced, with one-inch margins, grammatically correct, and in your own words! You may include citations and a reference page but it isn’t required. This will, however, be submitted in TurnItIn so any clear-cut plagiarism will result in no bonus points. Some topics to address in your paper include: how your own culture views the elderly, how other culture’s views of the elderly could be incorporated into your culture’s views, problems with the various ways the elderly are seen, and what we could do to improve these problem areas.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the treatment and perception of older adults within different cultural contexts is essential for fostering respect, dignity, and better care for the aging population. My own cultural background, rooted in Western traditions, particularly in American society, tends to view aging through a lens of independence and productivity. Older adults are often seen as repositories of wisdom, yet they are also sometimes marginalized or regarded as burdens, especially when health declines or mobility decreases. The societal emphasis on youth, productivity, and independence can result in older adults feeling overlooked or undervalued, especially when they require extensive care or assistance. Ageism, a prevalent issue, manifests through stereotyping, social exclusion, and limited opportunities for older individuals, contributing to feelings of isolation and diminished self-worth (Nelson, 2016).

Contrasting this with Japanese culture provides a compelling perspective on aging. In Japan, respect for elders is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize filial piety, reverence, and societal responsibility for caring for aging family members (Koyano & Kato, 2004). Older adults in Japan are often regarded as wise elders whose experience benefits society. Many live with their children well into old age, and caregiving is viewed not just as a familial obligation but as a moral duty. The community and government policies support older adults with comprehensive healthcare and social services, recognizing their vital role in societal stability (Hasegawa et al., 2014).

Both cultures demonstrate positive and problematic aspects of aging perceptions. The American emphasis on independence and self-sufficiency can lead to neglect or social isolation when older adults cannot maintain autonomy. Conversely, Japan’s focus on filial piety might place excessive caregiving burdens on families, potentially leading to caregiver stress and concern for the well-being of the family members providing care (Sugawara & Sugawara, 2018). Both approaches could benefit from integrating elements of each other to create a more balanced and respectful treatment of older adults. For example, Western societies could more actively promote community-based programs and societal respect for elders, reducing ageist attitudes. Meanwhile, Japanese society could develop policies that support aging in place and alleviate family caregiving burdens through formal social service programs.

Enhancing the societal view of aging requires addressing and combating ageism by raising awareness about the contributions of older adults, promoting intergenerational interactions, and fostering inclusive attitudes. Educating younger generations about the value of elders’ experiences and wisdom can help diminish stereotypes and foster respect (Levy et al., 2018). Policies that promote accessible healthcare, social participation, and lifelong learning can further support aging populations in both cultural contexts. Community engagement initiatives, such as volunteer programs or mentorship opportunities involving older adults, can bridge generational gaps and reinforce their societal value (Cutchin, 2014).

In conclusion, understanding and improving how societies treat their older populations necessitates a multifaceted approach rooted in respect, support, and active inclusion. Both Western and Eastern perspectives offer valuable insights; integrating the strengths of each can lead to more compassionate and effective ways to honor aging individuals. Societies worldwide must prioritize combating ageism, supporting families, and creating environments where older adults can thrive with dignity and purpose.

References

• Cutchin, M. P. (2014). The ecology of aging: A new framework for understanding aging and developing age-friendly environments. The Gerontologist, 54(1), 44–50.
• Hasegawa, K., Suehiro, T., & Kagawa, M. (2014). Ageing in Japan: Policies aim to cope with rapid change. The Gerontologist, 55(3), 315–322.
• Koyano, W., & Kato, T. (2004). Family caregiving in Japan. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 17(4), 410–416.
• Levy, B., Slade, M. D., Kunkel, S. R., et al. (2018). The role of positive age stereotypes in promoting psychological well-being: Implications for health. American Psychologist, 73(8), 1012–1022.
• Nelson, T. D. (2016). Ageism: Stereotyping and prejudice against older persons. The MIT Press.
• Sugawara, M., & Sugawara, M. (2018). Caregiving burden and psychological distress among family caregivers in Japan. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 33(12), 1772–1779.