Posted: February 9th, 2023

INTERNATIONAL APPROACHES TO AGING

Psych Week 10 Dq 1
INTERNATIONAL APPROACHES TO AGING
Aging includes the cognitive, physical, and social-emotional changes that occur during late adulthood. Varying cultures take different approaches to aging. At the same time, individuals within these cultures and societies may have varied and distinctly personal views regarding aging. When addressing aging in late adulthood, one must also address death, dying, and bereavement. Religious and spiritual beliefs, gender, personality, and coping style can all impact an individual’s responses to and beliefs about death (Berk, 2023). Today, web-based virtual cemeteries are a new way for people to connect and grieve with each other, even when separated by distance. Nonetheless, varying cultures approach aging in many different ways.

For this Discussion, you will examine how different countries approach aging.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Consider how different countries approach aging. As you consider different countries, think about the following:
Do older adults live with their children, or are they more likely to live in a nursing home?
Are older adults seen as wise individuals to be respected and revered, or are they a burden to their family and to society?
Next, select two different countries and compare and contrast their approaches to aging.

Post and identify each of the countries you selected. Then, explain two similarities and two differences in how the countries approach aging. Be specific and provide examples. Use your Learning Resources to support your post. Use proper APA format and citations.

Resources
Berk, L. E. (2023). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Sage.
Chapter 17, “Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood” (pp. 568-605)
Chapter 18, “Emotional and Social Development in Late Adulthood” (pp. 608-639)
North, M. S., & Fiske, S. T. (2015). Modern attitudes toward older adults in the aging world: A cross-cultural meta-analysis Links to an external site.. Psychological Bulletin, 141(5), 993–1021. doi:10.1037/a0039469
National Institute of Health. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging Links to an external site.. Retrieved August 26, 2016, from http://www.nia.nih.gov
Document: Final Project Assignment Overview document Download Final Project Assignment Overview document(PDF)
Two countries selected for comparison and contrast of their approaches to aging are Japan and the United States.

Similarities:
Both Japan and the United States recognize the importance of providing elderly care and support services to their aging populations.
Both countries have a significant aging population, and they are facing challenges in meeting the needs of older adults and addressing issues related to aging.
Differences:

In Japan, elderly adults are more likely to live with their families, and there is a strong cultural tradition of intergenerational living. In the United States, older adults are more likely to live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
In Japan, older adults are seen as wise and respected members of society who have much to offer. In the United States, older adults are sometimes seen as a burden to their families and to society.
The approach to aging in Japan is influenced by the traditional cultural value of respect for the elderly and the belief in the importance of intergenerational living. In the United States, aging is often approached from a more individualistic perspective, with a greater emphasis on individual autonomy and independence. The differing attitudes towards aging in these two countries are reflective of the cultural, historical, and economic factors that shape the lives of older adults in each society.

Sources:
Berk, L. E. (2023). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Sage.
North, M. S., & Fiske, S. T. (2015). Modern attitudes toward older adults in the aging world: A cross-cultural meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 141(5), 993–1021. doi:10.1037/a0039469