When you imagine your life as an older adult, what do you envision? Some people plan on living with their children, adjusting to a comfortable intergenerational lifestyle, while others might see themselves in an assisted living facility that offers enough daily activities to feel like they’re on a never-ending cruise ship vacation. In truth, everyone’s answers will vary based on a wide range of factors, and most of them pertain to cultural perspectives on aging.
Today, we’re diving into aging experiences around the world to unpack how different cultures value older adults and influence their roles in society as they progress in age.
Western Cultures
It’s a truth we can’t ignore: Everyone ages. Some will experience physical symptoms sooner than others, reluctantly welcoming wrinkles and gray hair. Much of Western culture, however, views aging as an unfortunate aspect of life, taking extreme measures to retain youth for as long as possible.
But how does this negative cultural mindset regarding aging impact how Western society views and cares for its aging population?
For many, it means that older adults rely on retirement communities and nursing homes for long-term care. As of 2024, more than 1.4 million people in the United States live in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.
Western society often embraces individualism, which prioritizes the well-being of the individual. People are encouraged from a young age to pursue their passions and focus on themselves rather than on those around them, sometimes to the detriment of their family. This emphasis on independence can lead to feelings of isolation among the elderly, as younger family members focus on raising their own families and achieving personal and professional goals.
In contrast, many Asian cultures practice collectivism, emphasizing the well-being of the family as a unit. Let’s explore some of the societal differences this differing mindset has created.
Eastern Cultures
In centuries past, many Asian cultures placed a high value on caring for and respecting elders. Even today, in many Asian countries with collectivist societies, several factors influence how older adults are viewed and cared for, including:
- Living in multi-generational households
When two or more generations live in one household, it’s considered a multi-generational home. In 2021, approximately 24% of Asian Americans lived in multigenerational households in the U.S., compared to only 13% of Caucasian households. These homes benefit from increased emotional support, shared expenses and a more even distribution of caregiving responsibilities.
- Showing respect to elders
What does it really mean when we say that Eastern cultures “respect their elders”? Generally, it involves including older family members in important family decisions, giving them roles in religious ceremonies to highlight their seniority in the community and showing courtesy in everyday interactions, such as taking the time to include them in conversations and ensuring their comfort.
Latin American Cultures
Like many Eastern cultures, Latin American societies also place family ties at the pinnacle of their cultural values. Many Latin American families live in multigenerational homes or have older adults who live near their children, so they can age in place and visit one another regularly.
Additionally, according to research from the AARP, many Hispanic adults are optimistic about aging, with 70% of participants stating that they feel life is more meaningful at 50. Furthermore, 57% believe that 50 is still young, proving that age is indeed just a number.
Influence Cultural Perspectives on Aging with a Graduate Credential From UF
With a rapidly growing population of adults aged 65 and older in the United States, our society needs trained professionals in the field of aging more than ever. At the University of Florida, our commitment to helping aging adults extends beyond simply providing them with long-term care.
Our online graduate programs aim to give you the tools needed to help individuals age with grace, allowing them to retain their independence longer and improve their overall quality of life. If you’re interested in being a pioneer in the field of aging, consider one of our esteemed online graduate programs:
- Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Innovative Aging Studies
If you’ve homed in on aging as the field you’d like to make a difference in, UF’s online master’s degree in innovative aging studies provides the skills, knowledge and experience needed to take your career to the next level. This program equips you with advanced understanding and practical strategies to enhance the well-being and independence of aging adults.
- Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging
This online master’s degree balances two quickly expanding areas in medicine: the fields of aging and medical physiology. With 15 credits focused on each area, you’ll receive a broad scope of understanding of how physiological processes affect aging. This comprehensive approach prepares you to address the complex health challenges faced by older adults through an integrated understanding of medical physiology and aging.
- Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice
This 15-credit online graduate certificate equips you with a foundation in aging, helping you to differentiate yourself from other applicants and boost your resume at the health-profession school of your choosing. It provides essential insights and skills for those looking to make an immediate impact in the field of aging, offering a strong basis for further specialized study or professional practice.
Align your passions with a rewarding career that benefits both you and our aging population. Apply today!
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/non-weird-science/202310/aging-across-borders-how-we-age-around-the-world
https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes/articles/nursing-home-facts-and-statistics
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/03/24/the-demographics-of-multigenerational-households/
https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/aging-experience/demographics/hispanic-aging-attitudes.html