Clearly there are cultural differences in each country, some more prominent than others. Although we may not think of the way the elderly are treated as a cultural issue, other countries, such as Japan, differ greatly from our principles when it comes to old people.
Here in America, we do not respect the elderly as much as we should. Perhaps Japan can teach us a few tricks.
Confucian Teachings: Filial Piety
Filial piety is the Confucian thought that love and respect for ones parents is a virtue. In Japan, it is the child's role to care for their frail parents. Under the Meiji Code of 1898, it was the responsibility of the eldest son, but that responsibility often got passed down to the wife. In return for the son's care, he would inherit the entirety of the family's assets.
Placing the elderly in assisted living is seen as a disrespect and failure toward filial piety. In America, institutionalizing the elderly in nursing homes and assisted living is a norm. The Elderly Welfare Act of 1963 in Japan introduced nursing homes for elderly with 'need-based' residence. However, many families were reluctant to leave their parents in a nursing home due to the stigma of them abandoning their loved ones. The term Obasuyetama, referring to a legendary mountain upon which dependent parents who outlive their usefulness, because the term that referred to nursing homes and assisted living.
It is principle and virtue of the Japanese to worship, care for, and remain loyal to their parents and grandparents. Although families had struggled in the past, America could take some lessons from Japan and their dedication to their elders
The "Oldest" Country:
A report has shown that 7.2 of Japan's population will be 80 or older in 2020, in comparison to America's 4.2 percent.
Japan's population is comprised of more people over the age of 65 than any other age. It is assumed that one of the main factors of the extensive lifespans of the elderly is that 4 generations often live under the same roof in Japan. Not only do they always have someone to care for them, but they also have an endless supply of human connection, which benefits mental health. Many Japanese people also work until their eighties or nineties, believing an active and busy routine will extend their life expectancy. Also, working longer relieves the stress of making money after retirement.
Ikigai:
It is said that Japanese elders want to be useful. Ikigai is a term that translates into believing that one's life is worth living. Ikigai has become somewhat of a hobby for many Japanese. Maybe we could all involve this belief into our daily lives. My grandmother could use this lesson, considering she often feels like an invalid. Perhaps believing that one's life is full of purpose is the most empowering thought for the elderly
The Japanese thoughts of filial piety and ikigai are ones that we could incorporate into our values and lifestyles. The Japanese understand that it is important to value, respect, and believe in the elderly. They understand that it is important to believe in life's purpose, despite one's age. Hopefully we all will be able to understand this importance as well.
www.historyandpolicy.org
I love each Grammyism at the beginning of every post. This one make me laugh and cry because it's so relatable.
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