Eldercare
Growing age comes with many shortcomings such as inclusion in the elderly group. It depends upon the cultural and family morals as elderlies are the family’s responsibilities and should be kept within the extended family home. How a society treats its elderly members is connected to their precious traits and values (Kimbrel, Bookman, 2011).
Elderly treatments in different countries
Elderly law and transformation in China and France:
China used to follow Confucian tradition to keep elderly, but recently complications have risen in China. Rapid Industrialization has created distances and forced elderlies to move away in rural areas (Hatton, 2013).
In 2004, France passes a decree (Article 207 of the civil code) making it compulsory for the children to stay connected with parents. The law followed two disturbing events causing the deaths and suicide of elderly groups in the society (Paris, 2004).
Old Age Celebrations in Korea:
Korea values their elders and they even celebrate their 60th and 70th birthdays. Both of the decade celebrations are done through family parties. They strongly believe the role and duties reversal between parents and children at that age. A child becomes responsible to look after his parents (Chin, Kim, 1999).
Protestantism at play in U.S. and U.K.:
The Western societies are rising up their youth on the principles of independence and individualism. The concept is related to the Protestant work relating the ability of work with age. Elderlies live a lonely life away from their children in retirement communities, nursing homes, old houses and assisted living facilities (Chin, Kim, 1999).
Jared Diamond, who will be turning eighty, mentioned the trends of elderlies in his book in the present era. He states how western families simply throw them away. They should be given high place and children should take advantage of their experience. He described the extreme ignorance of the elder members, children spend neither time nor money on their parents and he, himself feels the uselessness of his presence with passing time due to increasing age (Diamond, 2013).
Elderly predicament in Japan:
Japan also places their elders at a higher place and it is the duty of children to take care of their elders. Japan is facing the problem of increasing number of elderlies, which will reach up to 7.2% (80 or older) by 2020. The statistics is going to increase new problems such as pension budget and other healthcare facilities (Carter, 2013).
Big, happy family system in the Mediterranean and Latin Culture:
These people have a culture of living under the same roof for generations by sharing duties. Most commonly, the youngest generation cares for the oldest, whereas the middle ones, the breadwinners, they stay outside home to earn. Hence, all duties are equally distributed (Carter, 2013).
Growing Statistics and ways to treat them and reasons
Elderly population is increasing day by day and according to research it is predicted to be 1.2 billion till 2025, which was 542 million in 1995, almost double. Moreover, the elderly abuse is observed in 4-6% of old population; they are sent to institutions; 10% are danger to themselves while 40% are psychologically ill. It is all happening due to weak family bonds and careless behavior of their children.
Old people are not useless; they possess valuable experience of their lifetime, which can be used in several ways. They can give professional and personal advice. They can babysit, help in producing food or even craft things. Education programs should be conducted and governments should take necessary steps to solve this catastrophic issue (Chin, Kim, 1999).
References
Bookman, A., & Kimbrel, D. (2011). Families and Elder Care in the Twenty-First Century. Retrieved March 5, 2016, from http://futureofchildren.org/futureofchildren/publications/docs/21_02_06.pdf
Diamond, J. (2013, March). How societies can grow old better. Retrieved March 05, 2016, from http://www.ted.com/talks/jared_diamond_how_societies_can_grow_old_better#t-1073190
Chin, S., & Kim, D. Y. (1999). Doing what had to be done: The life narrative of Dora Yum Kim. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.
Carter, K. M. (2013, July 23). How the elderly are treated around the world. Retrieved March 05, 2016, from http://theweek.com/articles/462230/how-elderly-are-treated-around-world
Hatton, C. (2013, July 1). New China law says children 'must visit parents' - BBC News. Retrieved March 05, 2016, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-23124345
Carter, K. M. (2013). How the elderly are treated around the world. Retrieved March 05, 2016, from http://www.theweek.com/articles/462230/how-elderly-are-treated-around-world
Paris, K. W. (2004, February 15). Look after aged parents or else, France warns absent families. Retrieved March 05, 2016, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/1454419/Look-after-aged parents-or-else-France-warns-absent-families.html
Abuse of the elderly. (2002). Retrieved March 5, 2016, from http://www.inpea.net/images/Elder_Abuse_Fact_Sheet.pdf
