Essay Sample on Aging Perceptions in Different Cultures

Introduction

Aging is the process of becoming older. Aging is attributed to different factors and brings about changes in the physical, social and psychological aspects. Perceptions of aging are multi-dimensional in nature. They encompass both positive and negative characteristics (Hummert, 1990). In the physical aspect, aging brings about a decrease in overall physical appeal and attractiveness. The ability to efficiently carry out everyday physical activities decreases with increase in age. Perceptions of aging influence societal behaviors and expectations towards older people, as well their ability to cope with the aging process. (Pasupathi and Lockenhoff, 2002). Psychologically, aging may or may not bring about an increase in respect towards older people. Different cultures around the world perceive aging differently. Some cultures respect and revere it as an important phase in the life of a person. Other cultures may not pay much attention to older people and often take them to nursing homes.

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Advanced countries such as the United States have shifted to an automated method of manufacturing products. This has resulted from the invention of better technology that automates manufacturing. This has led to diminished value towards older people who often have experience-based knowledge. According to Modernization theory, "a shift towards industrialized modes of production undermines the societal status of older adults, devalues their experience-based knowledge, breaks up traditional extended families through urbanization, and shifts control over the means of production from family elders to industrial entities" (Cowgill, 1972). Other undeveloped countries, such as some countries in Africa which have less developed methods of manufacturing, knowledge on manufacturing relies heavily on older people's experience, and as such, they are treated with the utmost respect.

Cultural values and beliefs play a significant role in how older people are treated in different cultures. Some societies in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa believe in the practice of ancestor worship which elevates older people's status in the society. This is based on "Confucian values of filial piety" (Hofstede and Bond, 1988). In some countries in Africa, older people are believed to be mediators between the living and the dead, in this case, the ancestors. They are the 'link' between the living people and their ancestors. "The linkage is structured through the elders of the kin-group, and the elders' authority is related to their close link to the ancestors. In some sense, the elders are the representatives of the ancestors and the mediators between them and the kin-group" (Kopytoff, 1971). The United States did not practice any form of ancestor worship. Therefore, older people in society are not as revered as Asian and African cultures. Older people are therefore not given any special treatment as they age and they are viewed as regular citizens.

Older immigrant living in the United States face many problems compared to their younger counterparts. Older immigrants often arrive in the United States late in their lives, leaving their whole livelihoods behind in their native countries. They usually have trouble speaking English fluently; thus they cannot work important jobs because of the language barrier. They often work menial tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and farming. Other older immigrants sole purpose is to take care of their grandchildren while their parents work to support them and their children. Therefore these senior immigrants depend wholly on their children for food, shelter, and clothing. In most cases, these older immigrants are often isolated due to loss of sense of purpose, and this leads to depression for them.

Younger immigrants can change the way they interact with their older counterparts by enrolling them to organizations that help them improve on their English such as Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly ( CLESE). This can help them broaden their job qualifications.

Older immigrants often have knowledge and skills in farming. They may benefit mainly by moving to rural parts of the United States. Younger immigrants may facilitate this by helping them move to these areas and securing homes for them. This move helps these older immigrants live a better life by applying their knowledge and skills to sustain their livelihoods.

Another way in which immigrants may help older immigrants is by making them aware of organizations and foundations that seek to help them find footing in their new lives. For example, the Scattergood Foundation takes care of the health of immigrants in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

As can be seen from above, the perception of older immigrants is different in different cultures and societies around the world.

References

Cowgill, D. O. (1972). A theory of aging in cross-cultural perspective. Aging and modernization, 1-13.

Hofstede, G., & Bond, M. H. (1988). The Confucius connection: From cultural roots to economic growth. Organizational dynamics, 16(4), 5-21.

Hummert, M. L. (1990). Multiple stereotypes of elderly and young adults: A comparison of structure and evaluations. Psychology and aging, 5(2), 182.

Kopytoff, I. (1971). Ancestors as elders in Africa. Africa, 41(2), 129-142.

Pasupathi, M., Lockenhoff, C., & Nelson, T. D. (2002). Ageism: Stereotyping and prejudice against older persons.