Five Countries Where Seniors Are Respected

The United States has a youth-driven culture.  Advertisements from clothing, what you eat and drink, where you go, and how you party, all focus on younger people.  Older people are often pushed aside, considered not to know much about anything and often, sadly, disrespected. 

 My father used to tell me as you get old, you become more and more invisible.  And this was from a man who played singles tennis until two days before he passed away at 88!!  He was hardly old and infirm.

Yet, there are cultures that actually admire and respect older people.  That gray hair and those wrinkles are trademarks of wisdom.

In the United States, many older people would consider a stranger who is young, say a clerk at a store, calling him “Grandpa” a sign of disrespect. But in many cultures to be called “Grandmother” or “Grandfather” is an honorific even if there is no familial relationship between the person calling the older person the title and the person to whom it is directed.  This designation denotes a compliment in recognition of the commitment the person has made to the family and society in general

Here are five countries where those who live to an older age are venerated.

The culture of respecting and valuing older members of a country’s society is usually rooted in the culture.  Family members learn from birth to honor older people

China 

The Chinese culture has long been recognized as respecting their elders and family traditions.

The Chinese have a long history of filial piety.  Caring for older family members such as parents and grandparents is not only an expectation but an honor. This attitude largely draws from the Confucian virtue, ”Hsiao”, filial piety -- a virtue that articulates the importance of the relationship between parents and children. This cultural attitude of respect, duty, and honor for elders is the cornerstone of Chinese society and values. 

Japan 

Japan has a history of teaching their young that older people are to be respected.  Younger people understand that oldsters are to be respected for knowing family and Japanese traditions.   Younger family members understand that they will be responsible for older members of the family.

India     

  India is known for multigenerational families living together.  Older members of the family are venerated and younger generations are expected to respect older people not only in their family but in their community as well.

  South Korea

Just like China and Japan, the concept of filial piety is ingrained in Korean culture.  Children no matter what their age know and want to show respect and obedience to their elders. Again, younger generations consider it their duty to care for the older generations with esteem and obedience.

  Sweden

Sweden has a slightly different take on respecting and honoring their older citizens.  While Swedish people respect and honor older generations, it is the government that has set up many programs and services to ensure the care and well-being of its older population.

       The above are just a few of the cultures that show deference to their older members. Many countries that are known for tight-knit families also tend to demonstrate duty and respect of older people. These are probably very good countries for older people to visit.

Now Let’s Go Travel!