Cultural Views

Question 1

How are elders typically viewed in western (individualistic) societies

Answer 1

• Ageist
• Older adults are often put in LTC
• Physical signs of aging are looked at with distaste
• Younger people are seen as the core of the society. while older people are seen as a burden

Question 2

How are old people seen in Eastern (collectivist) societies

Answer 2

• Accepting of aging and older adults
• Older adults are often cared for by younger generations
• Physical changes are often regarded as a life well lived

Question 3

Should we believe basic assumptions about how old people are viewed in different societies

Answer 3

• There is limited empirical evidence to support the Western vs Eastern view
• Attitudes toward older adults ultimately lie with individuals, but are shaped by culture, history, social structure, and demographics
• Three main competing theories have emerged as potential explanations for these conflicting findings and, more importantly, our views on aging
• Countries values may not align with personal values

Question 4

Value Orientation theory

Answer 4

• Societies hold older adults in high regard because of strong collectivist traditions
• Traditional societies place a greater emphasis on reverence for older adults and the importance of learning culture history through oral telling
• Conflates the primary religion of a place with other aspects of its social nature
• States that if we get away from religion we get away from the traditional bonds
• As older adults transition out of the workforce, they are seen less valuable to the economy and pushed aside

Question 5

Problems with the value orientation theory

Answer 5

• Does not consider variation among Asian countries
• Some studies show that Western cultures have positive views for older adults

Question 6

Competition over resources theory

Answer 6

• Older adults receive more resource allotment than their “fair share” = intergenerational inequality
• Older adults are thus viewed negatively because they are dependent on others

Question 7

Problems with the competition over resources theory

Answer 7

• Many inconclusive results
• Countries have good health and social services, for entire population, but still have negative aging views

Question 8

Economic and political structure theory

Answer 8

• Higher levels of economic development and industrialization are associated with more negative attitudes towards older adults
• Democratic systems give a lot of power to older adults for voting and try to improve social programs for older adults
• Richer countries should thus have more pro aging attitudes because there are more resources that can go around

Question 9

What does the newest research on aging views say

Answer 9

• Poorer countries appear more likely to see older adults as a burden than rich countries
• South and East Asian countries state older adults are not a burden but believe they get more than their fair share
• High socialism = less resentment towards older adults getting social aids

Question 10

Factors that influence views of aging

Answer 10

1. Socia-Ecological Variables
2. Cultural beliefs and values
3. Personal experiences

Question 11

Socio-Ecological Variables and Influence on VOA

Answer 11

• Compromise the physical, societal, and interpersonal environments of individuals and represent important contexts on the country level that influences VOA
• Countries with more older people working, involved with volunteer/the community have higher perceived competence of older adults
• Countries with better social securities and high education levels tend to view aging more positively

Question 12

Cultural beliefs and values on VOA

Answer 12

• Cultural beliefs and values can be measured to both the country and individual levels
• Age identities and self-perceptions of aging are relevant for self-esteem in aging

Question 13

Personal experiences and their influence on VOA

Answer 13

• Our personal experiences with the aging process are fed back into our stereotypes
• What we experience can deviate from the norm in our culture which can change our view of aging

Question 14

Do our VOA influence our health

Answer 14

• Different cultures have different attitudes and practices towards aging
• These cultural perspectives can influence our own experience of getting older, like
• Cognitive health
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Life satisfaction
• Morality

Question 15

Indigenous views on Elders

Answer 15

• Generally respected with the understanding that they carry knowledge
• Can help emotional, spiritual, environmental, economic, and cultural dimensions

Question 16

Kanreki views on elders

Answer 16

• Japanese celebration of a persons 60th birthday
• Seen as a time to pass on family responsibilities to the next generation and prioritize other goals and directions
• Highlights the importance of familiar bonds and social gatherings

Question 17

Media influences on VOA

Answer 17

• They and under represented in the media and are often limited in the roles they are presented in
• Often present older adults as extreme caricatures that rely on negative association with aging
• Can also promote successful aging to have healthy and active golden years
• Women tend to experience pressure to maintain a youthful look while men are respected with age and seen as wise and successful

Question 18

Improving our VOAs

Answer 18

• Higher rates of intergenerational exposure
• Positive/Accurate media representation
• Education/Awareness
• Cultural shifts