How is Aging in America Different from Aging in Other Cultures?
Aging is no new thing; people have been aging since time immemorial. However, traditions, attitudes, and perspectives on aging differ across world cultures. The video “ Coming of Age in Aging America, ” examines the vast differences in how societies view and treat aging. Truly, other cultures value the sentiment “respect your elders” (Vitalpictures, 2012). In fact, in these cultures, elders are treated as the carriers of wisdom, knowledge, and tradition. As such, they often live with their families for care and support, and they contribute to the household through caring for grandchildren and preparing meals. Moreover, families do their best to take care of their elderly grandparents and treat them as valued society members (Waters, 2011). It is a tradition to honor old age, which makes them healthier, happier and to live much longer.
On the contrary, America’s seniors are no longer healthier and happier (Waters, 2011). These elderly are still subjected to stereotypes and prejudice. In fact, the young perceive those with gray hair or wrinkled skin as old, which makes many seniors battle the challenges associated with report ageism in the workplace and the society. While other cultures value and honor their elders, America is one of the places where the elderly do not receive the deserved respect. However, America has just begun to show some little respect to their seniors (Waters, 2011). The society has implemented measures to show that seniors are valuable society members, who have lived both the jubilation and heartache of life as seen from the Older Americans Month and the Senior Citizens Day.
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How can American Society Become More Age-Friendly?
As seen from the videos, the challenge of caring for the elderly is growing as people live longer. Sadly, America has a culture that isolates the elderly (Vitalpictures, 2012). Failure to meet the needs of the elderly sends them into a state of social isolation. Research indicates that America can become age-friendly by allowing the seniors to live in multi-generational communities that give them various demographics, neighbors, caregivers and other services (Waters, 2011). The strategy will help address the loneliness experienced by the elderly as well as break the tendency of segregating older people.
How Can American Society Improve the Aging Experience for Future Generations?
Many of the America’s elders want to make a difference in the society, but they find no role for themselves because they are socially isolated (Waters, 2011). In the videos provided, the speakers suggest the importance of improving the aging experience for future generations. This can be done by giving them support because they are human beings who desire to socialize. One possible cause of for low self-esteem among the elderly is social isolation (Vitalpictures, 2012). Therefore, creating groups and communities to support seniors through their transition to old age is vital. In the end, it will be an excellent resource for improving the aging experience for the future generations.
What is the Role of Nurses in Facilitating Changes that Will Improve the Aging Experience?
Nurses play an essential role in facilitating changes that will improve the aging experience (Waters, 2011). As seen from the videos, nurses are change agents within the society. In fact, this is one of their core functions. Often, nurses are on the floor seeing the impacts of isolation is having on the aging patient population (Vitalpictures, 2012). As such, they are knowledgeable about the things that are better for the elderly and those that are not. They are vocal about the changes geared towards improving the aging experience. Nowadays, nurses comprise the most significant sector in the United States and therefore, they play a crucial role in shaping the aging experience of the future generations.
References
Vitalpictures. (2012). The Big Idea in 4 Minutes - Coming of Age in Aging America. YouTube. Retrieved Mar. 3, 2018 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOA1v4-2Fos&list=PL29C92932A74241DB
Waters, M. C. (2011). Coming of age in America: The transition to adulthood in the twenty-first century . Berkeley: University of California Press.
