Please write a brief "Think-Feel-Wonder" post in response to the two articles you read about treatment of the elderly. Please comment on the reflections of your classmates.

9/26/2014

Nicole Matteson

9/26/2014 01:32:34 pm

After reading the two articles, I was not really shocked at the difference between american culture, and other eastern cultures, but more so intruiged by the facts. America is all about freedom, and this can translate to freedom from being responsible for your elderly parents. Looking around now and seeing how current teenagers treat their parents, It's so different from how my grandparents explained their relationships with their parents.
I've always admired eastern cultures abilitiy to sustain their family ties, and its sad to see how modern technology and jobs are changing them.
Overall i see these articles as a wake up call and sets the mood for exhibition!

Kaeli Leoni

9/28/2014 06:04:31 am

I have noticed it as well how differently teenagers treat their parents now compared to the generations in the past. It's almost like they treated each other with a little bit more respect than now.

Jenna Welsh

9/28/2014 07:21:04 am

I wonder how our generation will treat their elders. You mentioned that generally we are a pretty disrespectful bunch; will that translate to our care for them?

Alex de Villiers

9/28/2014 03:10:47 pm

After reading the two articles I got really motivated for the exhibition too!

Emily Dingman

9/27/2014 02:12:37 am

Think: Reading the articles was a bit disappointing for more then one reason, one of them was the fact China has to make a law that children are acquired to see their parents. I think it is sad we have to go so far for kids to appreciate their parents and be there for them like they where there for us. The western culture is not better how ever, s it was stated about how many kids just get up and leave their parents, never looking back. I think more kids should really looked at their parents and realize that as we grow up, they are getting older, and what time we have with them is important to cherish and remember.
Feel: I felt sad but also a bit more, inspired I guess, to be with my parents. Like the article stated, I am not one of the kids that jumps to hang out with my parents with every moment that I can. The articles did make me think about it, that they will be too old to do many of the things they can do today. It made me feel as I should show my parents and even my grandparents more respect then I do now. Next time my mom or dad ask me to join them I won't say no, I won't pout or sigh, I will smile and say yes.
Wonder: I wonder if we will realize how our parents are our best friends, how they are always there for us no matter how stupid we are. I wonder if the law in china will make kids resent their parents more or bring them to appreciate it more. I also wonder if America will take China's example and make our own law. However I doubt it as that would be against our Bill Of Rights, to force the public like that is not something I would ever see ending well.

Sarah Lockhart

9/28/2014 08:55:57 am

I totally agree with you, while it was so sad to hear how the elderly are often treated but it inspires me to respect them more and makes me really excited about this project.

Chandler Gaines

9/28/2014 01:16:24 pm

I also was inspired by these articles. I like how you made connections with the article because while I was reading I was doing the same,

Ian

9/27/2014 06:24:24 am

After reading both articles i was surprised of the different cultures from east to west. I do feel that america has lost a great deal of tradition. I only have one grandma left and she lives across the country so its hard to see her. Also my family had a tradition to of every thanksgiving we would meet and have one big family dinner. We don’t do that anymore which I do miss, But in other countries like in Asia everyone is very respectful to their elders. They also live together. I feel this project that we are doing will help show elders that america’s new adults aren’t naive and disrespectful.

Nicole Matteson

9/29/2014 01:15:59 am

I was surprised too!! I also hope we can show the older generations we aren't a bunch of disrespectful hooligans

jackson sjogren

9/29/2014 05:32:50 am

I agree in other countries being older means much more in other cultures in comparison to america.

Eli Murguia

9/27/2014 02:50:04 pm

Think: Wow. I really found that these articles were really informative and yet really true! Like when I was reading the second article and how it talked about the different types of cultural views of the elderly based on ethnicity. I found that they both had been really accurate as to what we see today.
Feel: At my house is is exactly as they said it was: One big happy family. My grandpa passed away a long time ago but my grandma has lived with us ever since I was in elementary school. She cooks, cleans, and helps around the house and even when she was given the chance to live in Florida almost free of charge she declined telling us "You guys are my life! I love you guys berry much," giving us all a big hug. And I really love that about my grandma! She's always been so loving and caring, even though sometimes we'll get lectured about how you can't have a successful life if you have a dirty room, she still has always been a bright spot in my life that I couldn't live without. So I really feel like they had been spot on in my experience.
Wonder: Can we just get rid of old people homes? Except for maybe the really nice ones that old people actually might want to go to? Because I feel like old folks that are put in senior homes kinda become depressed and I would hate to see nice older people in a state of depression because their families didn't want to care for them or take them in. /:|

Jack Campbell

9/28/2014 02:33:24 pm

I feel that the homes that western countries send their elderly to is a huge contributor to the separation of the elderly.

Lucas LeVieux

9/27/2014 04:45:04 pm

"A new 'Elderly Rights Law' passed in China wags a finger at adult children, warning them to 'never neglect or snub elderly people' and mandating that they visit their elderly parents often, regardless of how far away they live. The law includes enforcement mechanisms, too: Offspring who fail to make such trips to mom and dad face potential punishment ranging from fines to jail time."

This is a statement that really shocked me. I forget that any government had so much legislative power as to govern the extreme specifics of one's day.

However, past the simple shock of the law, I began to think about how this would solve the problem. Of course visiting one's parents is an important idea; why not make a law out of it? If you have high elderly suicide rates, then this would probably fix it. It might change the culture to respect the elderly, and extend the culture that has always existed in China to a new generation that might not be as receptive to old traditions. It's hard to say if it's fair for these traditions to be forced, however.

I wonder exactly how this is enforced?

Jenna Welsh

9/28/2014 07:17:57 am

The law seems really unfair to me; what if you live across the country from your parents? What if your parents were abusive? What is you are estranged? I also wondered how it would be enforced.

Benjamin Rose

9/28/2014 04:42:34 pm

Yes, I also wonder this. Sometimes people and their parents simply don't get along at all, why should they be forced to interact if it's better for both of them not to?

Abby Elliott

9/28/2014 08:18:58 am

Good question! I think two things are going on-people are living longer and lives are more complex.

Christian Klosterman

9/28/2014 04:26:55 am

I think it is really true that in other cultures that kids take care of their grandparents and parents more often than Americans. I think it is, like they said in both of the articles, a tradition that is passed down, and that the culture is what makes it like that. I also read somewhere that Asian families will usually have one kid live with the parents for the rest of their lives,and that is because of the culture as well. I grew up with Filipinos because I am half, and most of my cousins who are older then 20 still live with their parents and grandparents. On my other side of the family which is totally white and from New York, they let their grandparents just live in nursing homes until they passed away.

Matt Rose

9/28/2014 02:26:09 pm

I really liked how you have experienced both sides of the story.

Rena Dillenbeck

9/28/2014 05:31:07 am

These two articles are both talking about the elderly and I find it really interesting how they are treated around the world. After reading these two articles I think that it is absolutely terrible how some elderly are treated, and that we need to recognize them as people too. They still have wants and needs from others, they still need to be loved. I felt sad after reading these articles, but then I realized, hey, even though my grandma isn't considered a senior citizen yet, but when she is, I know that I won't send her to a nursing home, I will continue living with her in my home and try my best to keep her happy. This still makes me sad to think of how some of the elderly are treated here in America. This makes me wonder about humanity, why are people in Asia more compassionate about others than people in America?

Tristan Elghoroury

9/28/2014 08:54:56 am

Yea it is amazing how diffferent cultures can be!

Isaac Fernandez

9/28/2014 02:34:48 pm

Are you actually going to try and live with her?

Kaeli Leoni

9/28/2014 06:02:04 am

Until reading these articles, I never really gave the way we treat the elderly much thought. Now seeing the differences in our culture and other cultures, I think that the way America treats its elderly people is really upsetting. In France, you have to keep in touch with your family by law. In other eastern countries like China, you have to treat your parents with respect or you might have to face a punishment. In America, we send our parents off to retirement homes, sometimes forcing them away from their friends and family. I think that America needs to reconsider the way we treat our parents and learn from other countries. If someone has the ability to keep their parents close, maybe even live with you, they should let them. I think this will slowly but surely make a difference in the way we treat our elderly and we will be able to see a positive change.

Tristan Elghoroury

9/28/2014 08:58:01 am

I totally agree that the way we treat our elders is pretty bad. If people would get fined here if they didn't take care of there parents or didn't visit them regularly, things would be very different!

Morgan King

9/28/2014 12:38:24 pm

I really like your perspective, I think that America just likes making decisions for other people without considering their say (electoral votes). I really think that if we were more strict then those rules would just become habits. I really do think we should consider our ability to keep people close.

Vanessa I link

9/28/2014 04:09:01 pm

It's true that people should try harder to have contact with their parent, I think its's important to have a close family relationship especially with the elderly

Nicole Matteson

9/29/2014 01:18:52 am

i would love to see a perspective change, I always love hearing stories from a person who was actually there versus reading something in a book. They have emotion behind it and you can tell how it affected them and their loved ones

Kayla Feather

9/28/2014 06:25:42 am

Think: I think that children should take care of their aging parents. The parent takes care of the child and then the child takes care of the parent. It is our responsibility as children to help our parent when they need because they did so for us. Although I am the type of person who always has to repay debts and being raised is a debt in my opinion that is hard to repay.
Feel: I feel that if we don't take care of our elders and our aging population than there is no respect and no connect. I feel that if we ignore them like they kind of have been than we really are a completely self-centered society that has no moral values. Since the begin of time children would, when the time came, take care of the parent and that is a tradition I feel should continue or else we are not living how we should. However, if you can not take care of the parent because you are having physical can not or emotionally can not then I believe you could put them in a retirement home, but should still visit when ever you could.
Wonder: I wonder which generation stopped really taking care of their parents or elders? Why don't we value the older generations as much any more? Where did we steer wrong with some people's values today?

Shea Saulino

9/28/2014 06:41:10 am

Your "Feel" of your "Think, Feel, Wonder" really spoke to me. I completely agree with you; If we don;t start to take care of our elders then we lose the respect and connection we have with them.

Sarah Lockhart

9/28/2014 09:14:46 am

I totally agree with everything you wrote, especially about repaying your parents for taking care of you by taking care of them.

Shea Saulino

9/28/2014 06:37:12 am

These articles opened up a new window into the world of the elderly and how they are treated. From the few times I had been to my great grandmother's treatment facility I knew only a small part of what the elderly go through. Out of both these articles, my favorite line was from the East vs. West: How We Treat Our Elderly. The quote is "The idea that it’s human nature for parents to make sacrifices for their children and, in turn, for their grown children to sacrifice for their aging parents — turns out to be a ‘naïve expectation." I found this to be a profound and creatively written piece of writing that speaks out on the way we treat our elders and gives much insight into the minds of their loved ones. I think that not only should everyone read these articles for pure knowledge, they should read them and evaluate them as a society and adapt to what the author's points are.

Shea Saulino

9/28/2014 06:39:32 am

Think- I think our society should read this and adapt, change, and develop a new culture around the care of our elders.

Feel- I feel that these articles were written with passion and should reach more than just high school students.

Wonder- I wonder what the authors have in common to be so enlightened about this topic and feel so passionately about enlightening others.

Jenna Welsh

9/28/2014 07:15:24 am

It's upsetting to me that we frequently devalue those who are physically older than us. Just because they are old does not mean that their opinions do not matter or their experiences are invalid. I think we can all agree on that point.

It's easy for everyone to say that we don't spend enough time with our relatives, it's such a shame. Most people my age don't have a relative older than sixty. I am not most people. I don't mean to turn this into a pity party, but my grandmother is eighty-eight years-old and dementia-ridden, with serious hearing and sight issues to boot. She can barely walk, and is, at the last count, on five prescription pain medications. We tell her something and five minutes later she's forgotten it. She calls us randomly, her voice trembling with anger on the answering machine, but, when we return her call only a few hours later, she is as calm and happy as can be. It's exhausting, sad, funny and frustrating all at once. There are a lot of other dimensions to my situation (my mother and grandmother have never gotten along, my aunt and uncle are airheads, my dad travels for work constantly, my brother and I are not old enough to drive yet require a lot of driving, we don't have the financial stability or room to take my grandmother in, etc.) that are too complex to describe here but, in short, I feel the article was quick to denounce those who choose not to spend EVERY WAKING MOMENT with their elders. Sometimes my mother, who cares for her in addition to my brother and I, wants a break. I was there for five hours yesterday and I wanted a break. There are a lot of factors that affect how much time we choose to spend with these people, so we can't draw a conclusion on what every family should do.

Having said all of that., it is nevertheless interesting to talk with my grandmother about her experiences. She was a white woman in suburban New Orleans in the 1960's, and it's unbelievable to hear her stories. My aunt once invited a little black girl to her birthday party at the Mandeville Country Club; when the club refused to let the girl enter, my grandmother decided to move the whole party to the public park rather than disinvite the girl. While this seems like common courtesy, and the obvious right thing to do, it was a rare thing in the Deep South at that point in time, and I am proud that I have a grandmother who stood on the right side of history. I would never have known that about her if I never sat down and had a conversation with her.

I wonder if the authors of these articles have elderly relatives of their own. If they do, I bet you they are not their primary caregivers, or their relatives do not have serious health problems. Otherwise, they would not be so harsh to those who want to maintain their own life while still caring for and learning from their elders.

Emily Hayashida

9/28/2014 10:08:28 am

I really like your first statement, and its extremely striking. I also like how you made it a personable experience to read your reflection by involving your grandma.

Mikayla Kricfalusi

9/28/2014 01:16:06 pm

I love how you connected this to your grandmother and your own personal experiences. It can be difficult to care for an old person, especially one with dementia, because they are utterly dependent. I am happy that you were able to see the value in your grandmother's stories and appreciate her life.

Isaac Fernandez

9/28/2014 02:36:52 pm

I really like how you took the extra time to make a real-life connection and make it interesting.

Abby Elliott

9/28/2014 08:12:53 am

"In Confucian philosophy, filial piety is a virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors."

Think-Unfortunately I think for change to happen in a society, the change has to be considered "vogue" - the cool thing to do. Because people are living longer the need to care for the elderly (parents) is becoming a very real issue. In Western culture, the society is not readily equipt to care for elderly and the elderly in many ways want as much independence as possible for as long as possible-our society has taught us that. The elderly do not want to move in with their kids away from friends and the comunities they know nor do they want to move into a care facility. Both articles talk in a voice as if the young do not want to take care of the old, but I think for change to happen both the elderly and the young are going to have to make compromises-work together for the greater good.

Feel- I feel sad that Eastern societies are losing their cultural values to care for the elderly, but I do not necessarily think that the young are purposely not caring for the elderly. Like one article said, the young are needing to move to urban areas for work while the elderly can not be moved due to health.

Wonder-I wonder what all societies would look like if we knew long ago that medicine and healthier life styles were going to keep us alive a lot longer? Would people have realized that we need to structure our family living so that we all remained a single working unit like the Mediterranean and Latin cultures?

Noah Parr

9/28/2014 08:18:39 am

Think:After reading this article, I realize how different we treat our elderly around the world. In America, it is not a common responsibility to even really keep in contact with your parents, but in other parts of the world like china, it is a law to visit them. In other places the elderly are respected, and treated nicely, which make me think that the way we treat our elderly can be wrong, and disrespectful, as they are still people with their own interests and lives.
Feel: I feel that it is important to keep in contact with our elderly. In other parts of the world, aging is seen as a good thing that brings wisdom and respect, but here it just means that you can't work, and have lost your value.
Wonder: I wonder how, in china, they know if you have not visited your parents? And I also wonder how we here can make our elderly feel more respected and remembered.

Abby Elliott

9/28/2014 08:22:31 am

If all families focus on caring for their own, I believe we will be headed in the right direction.

Rena

9/28/2014 10:10:10 am

I think there are many ways we can make the elderly feel appreciated here, but people aren't really doing any of them, which is sad.

Jonathan R

9/28/2014 06:39:13 pm

I believe that the best way to have elderly people feel more respected is to open up to them and ask them for advice on things. We could implement some of the idealism of eastern thinking into western culture, I'm not saying that individualism is wrong but I do think that western people need to be with their elderly more.

Sarah Lochart

9/28/2014 08:53:38 am

I think the cultural differences are really interesting and it's something I would like to learn more about in the future. I mean I knew that Eastern cultures generally have much more respect for their elders, but I didn't know it was that much higher. It really breaks my heart that so many senior citizens are put into a nursing home. I can see that being a legitimate option if they have a medical condition that requires a lot of work and care that you aren't skilled enough to give or if you have lots of small children and taking them out of the home once the kids are older.

I think that the elderly should be very highly respected in every culture because they are the ones who put the time and effort into raising us and they do have a lot of insight. I think it was weird, though, how the East vs. West article rambled on about how you should go to the elderly for information instead of the internet or books. While they may remember parts of events, they definitely won't know as much as other resources and they might have biased views. Like I lived through the election of our first black president, but I was 11 or 12 and don't remember much about it. I also wonder how the French and Chinese government enforce the Elderly Rights Law. It seems like it would be very hard to catch someone not visiting their parents.

Emily Hayashida

9/28/2014 10:06:42 am

I like how you bring culture into it and I think that Americans need to take note of what other asian cultures are doing.

Ryan Cormack

9/28/2014 02:46:41 pm

I also thought it was interesting that they talked about the elderly are more informed than other resources. Although they have a lot of insight about certain situations or give advice, nobody can know or retain enough solid unbiased information as a book or the internet.

Tristan Elghoroury

9/28/2014 08:53:58 am

After reading these two very interesting articles I realized how uneducated I was on this topic. I think that elderly people should be given the chance to share their knowledge. I feel like it would be a lot better if we would ask our elders rather than just googling something. Our elders have emotions and can give personal examples that no computer can even come close to. I wonder why the U.S. has developed this reputation of being so disconnected from the older wiser adults.

Rena

9/28/2014 10:13:02 am

I completely agree. When we talk to our elders, they can talk about personal experiences, it is also far more beneficial. For example, instead of googling world war 2, some of the people that fought in the war are still alive today and can give great information about it.

Chandler Gaines

9/28/2014 01:15:10 pm

I also was shocked at how un educated I was about the topic. It was shocking to me.

Hunter Birk

9/28/2014 02:31:00 pm

How do you think we should adapt to asking our elders instead of googling?

Alex de Villiers

9/28/2014 03:07:30 pm

I had the same question as to why we are so disconnected from our elderly, it really makes no sense to me.

Kevin Stiemke

9/28/2014 04:03:03 pm

I agree. I think that people should be more connected to their elders, and that we need to ask them for advice.

George Downey

9/28/2014 09:46:50 am

I think its actually quite wonderful how in many countries, the elderly are celebrated. As they grow older, their birthdays become more and more important and they are cared for more and more by their children, not just be nursing homes. The celebration of wisdom and experience gained from old age in the forms of festivals in several Eastern countries, makes me feel very happy, and makes me wonder why only some families celebrate their elders birthdays with any great degree of vigor. I also feel kinda guilty that even though I respect the elderly, I don't see my elders as much as I should.

Dylan L

9/28/2014 10:48:36 am

George- do you think you'll still feel guilty after visiting the elders that we are interviewing for the project?

Ryan Cormack

9/28/2014 02:43:28 pm

I also feel guilty after reading the articles, even though sometimes seeing extended family is out of our control.

Emily Hayashida

9/28/2014 10:05:31 am

Think: This makes think about how little we know about this topic and without conversing and getting to know the elderly better we miss out on important stories. We can learn important life long lessons or new things about our families, or even important historical events.
Feel: I feel bad. When people are ignored they feel bad, and while elders are sometimes forgotten about they shouldn't be.
Wonder: How has America gotten to the point where they almost ignore the elderly? Should we follow with close actions to the east but with less serious consequences?

Dylan L

9/28/2014 10:50:53 am

I do think that we should follow the east's methods, but with less serious consequences. I think that to be placed in a nursing home, the person's family should be checked out, and if they can accept the elder, then the home shouldn't take them. This will help build connections, and also clear up the homes a little.

Vanessa I link

9/28/2014 04:05:58 pm

I also agree I feel that the topic of elderly is not so important to society and its sad that the importance of family isn't acknowledged

Dylan L

9/28/2014 10:46:44 am

I think that the explanation of how "western" countries treat their elderly is really interesting- especially compared to other countries. It seems kind of strange that they don't having nursing homes, etc, but they probably think it's weird that we do this. Personally, I've never had any experience with nursing homes- non of my family have ever been put in one. I feel that they could have used statistics in the articles. Bothe of them had little to none, and I would have been interested to see what percentage of elderly are in nursing homes, how long they live when in a home vs living with their families, etc. I do wonder though, how we, as a society, could steer away from elderly separation.

Morgan King

9/28/2014 12:30:32 pm

Yeah I really like what you pointed out, it is interesting. It also would have sparked more of my interest if they had included actual statistics, because you will never know how bad of a problem this is, unless you see real, actual numbers. I also think society created separation from the elderly, because we got tired of being told what was right and wrong without figuring it out ourselves. I don't think we will easily take away this barrier, until a catastrophe happens and we need their support.

Mikey Saunders

9/28/2014 10:52:41 am

I thought it was interesting to see the differences between all the different cultures and how we treat the elderly. I honestly never thought about the differences. I just assumed that everyone just treated their elderly the same. Reading each of these articles it widened my perspective on life. I feel a little bad after reading these because I feel that in America we push away our elderly and don't give them as much acknowledge meant like they should. Reading this makes me want to call my Grandparents and tell them I love them.

Edwin Herrera

9/28/2014 04:43:30 pm

Why do you feel that we do this,guy?

Morgan King

9/28/2014 12:25:23 pm

It was very bizarre seeing the extreme contrast between western and eastern culture. I somewhat knew beforehand that some people were more united when it came to family. Yet, I never realized that this was somewhat of a problem. I believe that the main reason there is a great contrast between the different cultures, have to do with economical standings. The U.S. is flourishing, and therefore can break some traditions for new ones. Whereas, Italy, Greece, Mexico, etc. (as far as I know) are have economical problems, and are relying on family to get through. I personally have had my opinion changed, I know now that in the future I want to involve my parents more, as well as my grandmother. I think that not everyone has to take everything from older family members and move them in with you, but I also believe they shouldn't be shut out or thrown in nursing homes. I really do want to know, when will society look to previous generations for advice before making mistakes. They went through a lot, and learned from them.

Eamonn Mcguiness

9/28/2014 12:39:17 pm

I thought the part of the article where it discussed the elderly and technology was fascinating/kind of depressing. To me it is so sad that we just don't pay as much attention to the elderly anymore. 50/60 years ago kids and even adults would look up to them and ask for advice or to trembler historic events. Now we can just google these things so they aren't really needed as much. Another thing is we look down on them for not understanding our technology. But we have to keep in mind that when they grew up there was black and white tv, only homephones, no internet, no cellphones, and no video games. Most of this is new to them.

Kane McGrath

9/28/2014 01:04:05 pm

Think: I think it's interesting how the system information, being passed on from generation's by family members has been replaced by a system of communication and information sharing by all people of the world.
Feel: I feel it's important to learn what we can from the elderly not just learn redistributable information you can find anywhere, but their stories, their knowledge, their I witness accounts. Because once when they're gone, this information is going to be gone forever. But if you take the time to listen to some of their life stories they may have to say about a war or their time in high school, or getting a job. this is something no one else besides you and them know. Do you want to learn about a specific event in history? you can learn the same thing that millions of other people have already learned aside you, but if you take the time to listen about the specific story from the person's perspective in that time, you will know something no one else does.
Wonder: I wonder if there is a more fission solution to senior citizens, my grandparents lived and died in our house ever since they were unable to take care of themselves. And it's a lot of work even had a nurse to come and help us.

Mikayla Kricfalusi

9/28/2014 01:12:57 pm

I agree that the first hand knowledge of old people is important and cannot be replaced. I love your perspective on learning a unique and personal piece of history from the elderly's lives.

Grant

9/28/2014 03:25:16 pm

I agree with you that there are some important life stories that you cant find online.

Mikayla Kricfalusi

9/28/2014 01:04:26 pm

Both articles seem to portray Western culture in a very negative light, while Eastern culture is praised. I agree that the way the elderly are treated in America and parts of Europe are not ideal. I know that my family struggles with maintaining a good relationship and balance of time with my grandmother. I think that the Mediterranean and Latin cultures have the best system of caring for the elderly, because they are a vital and important part of their families life until the day they die. That is just as important as having sufficient medical care, like what would be provided in a retirement home, because it proves that the old person is still valued. Just because they are infirm does not make them useless. It seems a great shame that there are many Western elderly dying alone and with no purpose in their last years of life. However, I know that ideologies are a large barrier between parents and children living together once the children are grown. Oftentimes, the parent child relationship might not have been perfect, and there might be lingering resentment between the two. There is no perfect system, but the elderly still need someone to care for and appreciate them. They were young and wild once, too.

Mikayla Kricfalusi

9/28/2014 01:10:44 pm

Continued-
I feel that elderly deserve to have a purpose in their life, even when they are no longer physically able to do what they once did. If I feel the need for a goal in life, then people five times my age need a goal as well. I don't think that need changes as we grow older. I think this project is a wonderful way to connect with a world that we have never experienced, and gain understanding from the insight of people who have been on this earth a long time. Elderly aren't perfect, they are just older versions of who they were twenty years prior. However, time gives a different perspective on the world that is worth knowing and understanding, even if we may not agree.

Is it possible for Western culture as a whole to change its view on the elderly and take action?

9/29/2014 01:04:18 am

I entirely agree, I think that we basically leave the elderly to collect dust rather than put their large banks of knowledge to use!

Adrien De Luna

9/28/2014 01:07:35 pm

These articles were very interesting. I thought that the way they described the elderly and how they were treated in different cultures was very heartwarming. I know that if my grandma didn't live all the way across the world, I would try to become as close as possible to her. It made wonder if some people actually enjoyed the company of their aging parents and grandparents. They have to feel a little crowded sometimes. But, I know that I would love to have my grandma around in my house.

Alexis Miranda

9/28/2014 01:41:00 pm

Both articles gave a good understanding on how the elderly were being recognized in different countries. I figure that most traditional countries would care for the elder. Because they want to care for the people that may have been part of an important era. What really surprised me was that 7.2 of Japans population are going to be elders in 2018. Japan really has a truthful society were one man/women can be known for what they've been living for. I don't really see my grandparents that often, but when I do, I try my best to take care of them, I think everybody should.

Piper Tompkins

9/29/2014 09:27:44 am

I liked the personal connection you had to the articles

Chandler Gaines

9/28/2014 01:14:16 pm

Once I had finished reading the two articles I kind of stepped back and looked at my own life. I saw that the way that society is today would have been so odd back then but its so normal for us. As time goes on our morals as humans change and we dont know it. I was shocked at the contents of the article and how they put into perspective what life used to be like, and how it is so different in so many aspects. It also makes me wonder what society will be like when my generation is the "elderly" generation.

Matt Rose

9/28/2014 02:22:13 pm

Yes I sort of wondered that to, I wonder if I would be treated lower or greater among the younger generations.

Camila Antonorsi

9/28/2014 01:43:32 pm

It is not surprising, the difference between the cultures and how they treat there elderly. It is kind of a reflection on how they live there lives. Some people take care of there grandparents at home and build strong family ties, those people usually also have there resources. Some people dump there elderly in nursing homes, not always because they don't have a way to take care of them. Being connected to your family is import and and not to disrespect them is more important. I thought that is was interesting that in china there was a law passed "never neglect or snub elderly people" I think that they were trying to protect family ties.
I wonder if our generation was not so filled with technology would kids respect there pedants and grandparent more? For sure if the past generation spoke to there parents like some people of ours do, they would sure get a whooping.

Alexis Habib

9/28/2014 03:30:37 pm

So true! Many kids today would think twice about speaking to their parents is they were treated like previous generations!

Matt Rose

9/28/2014 02:20:17 pm

Think: I never really thought that the treatment of elderly in America was so different. Until I read the article I always thought that it was just a personal thing, but if this is all accurate then I guess it just us.

Feel: I now feel like everyone should treat the elderly with he utmost respect especially since they have the most experience among the other generations.

Wonder: I wonder which kind of treatment will spread first to one another, and if the East will adapt to our customs of elderly or will we adapt to theirs.

Hunter Birk

9/28/2014 02:28:27 pm

Why do you think that this traditions started? Or how would you abolish it?

Jack Campbell

9/28/2014 02:30:58 pm

It's interesting how you wonder if the East will adapt our traditions and do use our free will adapt their eyes. I have wondered the same.

Jack Campbell

9/28/2014 02:32:02 pm

Let me correct that (Computer autocorrect):
It's interesting how you wonder if the East will adapt our traditions and views or if we will adapt theirs. I have wondered the same.

Hunter Birk

9/28/2014 02:27:19 pm

I think that as our culture has evolved the idea of putting elderly people in nursing homes is a convince for them when really its more of a connivence for us. Undoubtedly its a lot of working taking care of someone who cant fully take care of themselves, so the easiest way is to allow someone else to do it for us. I think we should also take steps to follow Eastern cultures and take care of families to a longer extent. I feel a little ashamed, it exemplifies a sense of laziness. I feel that we should to try to adapt to Eastern cultures to be able to take care of are families. I wonder how we adapted to that culture and strayed away from Eastern cultures. How would that even start?

Piper Tompkins

9/29/2014 09:29:49 am

I agree that we should try to start to adopt some of the Eastern culture

Jack Campbell

9/28/2014 02:29:09 pm

It is very interesting how the view of age differs based on geographic location. In western countries, youth and the appearance of youth have become ideal, Western countries are youth-centric whereas eastern countries, especially Asian countries, value age and compare it to wisdom. I feel that the elderly in the United States and other western countries are treated less than the youth and sometimes are seen as a nuisance. This is not a good thing, and steps have been taken in other countries to stop this. I wonder how the system such as healthcare and welfare compare in countries such as China to that of the United States.

Alexis Habib

9/28/2014 03:28:22 pm

After reading what you have said, I also wonder what healthcare and welfare systems are like in other countries.

Jonathan R

9/28/2014 06:35:28 pm

I also find it strange how in different areas of the world people have different views on their elderly, why don't we all have the same views? why do we have different views?

Ryan Cormack

9/28/2014 02:41:59 pm

I thought the fact that its a law to keep in contact and visit your parents and grandparents in an alarming number of countries. I never thought that family was as big of a deal nowadays, in a sense that we may only visit extended family a couple times a year. Once you turn 18 you're almost forced to move out or go to college, and a lot of times you move far away and thats the end of seeing direct family often. I wonder how they enforce that law, and what the specific regulations are for it.

Justin Reyes

9/28/2014 02:43:39 pm

I don’t usually talk to my grand parents, but after reading these articles this just makes me want to tell them how much i miss them and love them. I love the fact on how elderly's in Korea are highly appreciated. All the elderly's in general need to be appreciated especially since their lives, their experiences, and their advice are only going to be around for a short period of time. The elderly were like us once, therefore we should take the initiative to take better care for them. I wonder why the West strayed from how the Eastern cultures took care of their elders.

Isaac Fernandez`

9/28/2014 02:45:16 pm

I think that it is not really that surprising that we as Americans do not treat our elderly the same as other cultures. From what I know, other cultures like Asian cultures for example have been around for a long time and are built upon respect. On the other hand, America was built on freedom and individuality. I feel like whatv the problem is, people now are just so caught up in their own lives and what they are going to constantly be doing. We are also learning about history in school, but now society is not really revolving around respect at the same scale it used to be. Teenagers especially, are not being brought up in a home where they are taught from square one to respect their parents, there are a lot of kids now who can do whatever they want. What I do wonder though, is what it would honestly take to be able to teach respect and if it is possible.

Kevin Stiemke

9/28/2014 03:56:41 pm

Yeah I agree this country was built on freedom, and not respect.

Mrs. Clark

9/29/2014 12:49:58 pm

I sure hope so Isaac!

Nicole King

9/28/2014 02:50:23 pm

1st article:

The first article talks about how elderly care is different between the western and east. The eastern is more about more focusing on family and the western side is more about celebrating reliance and youth. It talks about how they are different. For example it says the western type of culture is where the encourage families to spend more time with their elders. The discuss how in asian homes it is frown upon go not take care of your grandparent. Sometimes their kids will pre-chew their food for the elders because they cannot chew their own food. Theres this man named Diamond who discussed basically some fun facts about elders. One fun fact I learned was “So if you want to get advice on complicated problems, ask someone who’s 70; don’t ask someone who’s 25,”. I was thinking how true that is because older people are known to be wiser than younger people.

Second Article:
This article is about how it is basically against the rules to not go and see your elderly. They share how people that live far away still come and visit their elderly especially in Korea.But not just in Korea it is recommended pretty much in every country. But they talk about it is “a duty tend to their parents”, in Korea they throw parties for the elderly. A interesting fact I learned in this article was how in France it is a law to keep in touch with your elderly and parents, it is forced very commonly to this day. Their more on the western type of caring for their elderly. It is very important they keep in touch with their family. It’s the ‘western way”.

Alex de Villiers

9/28/2014 03:05:38 pm

I was actually really surprised by the huge difference in the way we treat our elderly compared to other countries. Here in the U.S. once our elderly get to a certain age we put them into a retirement home and basically abandon them there until they pass away. There might be a few visits to them and a few phone calls a year, but compared to other countries we are disrespecting and abandoning our elderly. I feel that the current way we treat our elderly is unacceptable and we should change our view on how we treat our elderly as soon as possible. Everyone is going to be old at one point in their lives and I can imagine that most people wouldn't want to be treated the way most elderly people in America are treated. I honestly wonder why our society in the United States neglects the elderly, what is causing this lack of care for them?

Grant

9/28/2014 03:18:47 pm

I also found the way the U.S treats their elderly compared to other countries shocking.

Hesham

9/28/2014 04:10:47 pm

Its sad how people treat the elderly because even tho they are old they have so much value in knowledge and experience and one day we are going to be put into the same position as them.

Grant

9/28/2014 03:15:42 pm

These two articles made me think that the world is really moving away from getting advice from the elderly.I believe this is happening because people want to become more independent and use technology. I also think that this is happening because its more convenient to google some thing instead of having to ask someone for advice. After reading these articles it's made me believe that its important to make sure people take care of their families and visit them at the very least. Knowing this I wonder if a law like this would ever pass in the United States forcing people to at least visit their elderly family members.

Mrs. Clark

9/29/2014 06:57:45 am

I was wondering the exact same thing Grant! Would a law like that ever get passed and how would they regulate it?

Alexis Habib

9/28/2014 03:26:09 pm

I do believe it is very nice to visit up with the elder members of ones family and to keep in good relations, but one problem with that is if an individual does not know their own grandparents. There are many small families, or families that live too far away, or even families with adopted children. It is hard to know one's background when in such a position. It would be nice if people kept up more on their own linage and passed that information onto their own children, so they may never be left out in the dark.

Kevin Stiemke

9/28/2014 03:53:23 pm

This article made me think that people in the U.S. really do treat old people a lot differently than they do in other places. They are also being beat by technology. I feel like its crazy how we don't even need to ask old people questions anymore when you can just look it up on the internet. I also feel like old people get lonely when they get sent to old people homes, and their family lives far away. I wonder what it would be like if everyone lived with their grandparents today.

Hesham Hamed

9/28/2014 04:07:01 pm

These two articles were very interesting and made me miss seeing my grandparents.They shed so much light on how nowadays people want to live their life without taking their own parents and grandparents lives into consideration. They also talk about how many elderly people have no purpose left in life so they are just lonely. I think that elderly people should share knowledge and stories that they have accumulated over the course of their life. Last year when a man from the U.S Navy that fought in WWII came to talk to us it was amazing because even though he was old his story was so vivid and exiting. Hopefully this generation wake up and realize that we need to take care and learn from the elderly, specially our family members because they have so much knowledge and so many stories to share.

Vanessa Ibarra link

9/28/2014 04:21:35 pm

When I read these two articles I felt that I had a some knowledge of how elderly are treated today. It's nothing new to me coming from a Latin family it's has always been a rule that becomes a habit to respect are elder, grandmas,grandpas,uncles,aunts, etc. I learned while growing you how important the elderly. Even if they are not in your family but to always when passing an elderly to give a hello to them to show them respect. I looked at the articles and I was not surprised Its seen everywhere, to me it's a sad thing that the parents who raised you are not given enough credit. Even in some countries it was made a law to make sure the elderly are well taken care of. Although sometimes its not always the young at fault, it could be because they just don't live close or they don't have enough money and in a way it's understandable. But this does not excuse the fact of not paying any attention to the elderly. They lived in times we didn't younger ones don't really look to the elderly for answers but instead the internet. I feel that hearing the elder in person about their story makes it more meaningful. Hopefully America will find the positive and the greatness of the elderly and their importance in the world

Edwin Herrera

9/28/2014 04:38:46 pm

So from the reading, I don't believe it has to do anything with culture. I understand why people would believe that but hear me out. I think the main reason out elderly the same the same as other country is that we all have different situations and different motives, and I don't see the correlation with culture and family. Family is family, some may have and others don't. Here in America, I'm not trying generalize it but I guess I have to, the main reason we don't treat our elderly the same is that we have the money to put them in retirement homes and lets others treat them. While in other places that may not be done of finial issues and other problem. I don't think its culture or respect or anything like that, it mostly because most of us don't have grand parents and if we do we let others treat them thinking it's the best to do. I don't see the how culture comes into play. we just treat other differently because we all live in different places and go different situations, sometimes when family is all you have.

Edwin Herrera

9/28/2014 04:53:37 pm

This is might sound ignorant but whatever. Why do the elderly deserve "acknowledgement"? I understand the whole family thing about, but we are all people. If we are talking about why don't see our grandparents and treat them better, heck why don't we do this every relative then. The only reason I see that we must treat grand parents better is age, taking care of your parents, and family. Honestly everyone sounds so fake by saying " I want to call my grandparents now" when in reality they probably won't.

Mrs. Clark

9/29/2014 01:15:56 pm

Hi Edwin,

I think you need to do a little more research on the cultures and that will help you understand the context of those statements. Because even when you control for income, Eastern cultures would still present favorable to the elderly.

Also, I love that you are bold enough to disagree when you need to but just make sure that you are also staying respectful to other students. Some of what you wrote can be considered insulting to other people's posts.

Benjamin Rose

9/28/2014 04:39:12 pm

I think it's interesting how there's such a stark contrast in the way Eastern and Western cultures treat their elders. Personally, being from a Western civilization, I don't think people should be forced to take care of their parents. I also don't think that age should be correspondent with respect and knowledge, but rather maturity and rationality. Experience is good, but old prejudices can be hard to break out of. Not to say that the majority of elderly people are racist or homophobic, but those were certainly commonplace prejudices back in their time that don't always go away. I think that the new generation is and always will be the future, as it’s able to see the mistakes made by all the previous generations combined. I wonder what makes people think that age should be correlated with level of respect.

Chenoa Levy

9/28/2014 05:34:45 pm

There's such a vast difference between the way we treat the elderly in the west versus the way they're treated in the east. Although I think forcing children to respect their parents is a bit too far, Some come from estranged or abusive families and don't want to have any contact with their parents but are forced to by law. But, I do think the respects of elders is extremely important. They have gone through so much so the least the younger generation can do is treat them with some respect. Here in America we rush our elderly off to nursing homes or just completely abandon them, while in Eastern countries it's common for them to live with their family. And, again some families can be too busy or just aren't able to care for them, it was even mentioned that in the Eastern countries more an more children are starting to leave behind their parents.While I feel as though we should of course try our hardest to care four our families, some people just aren;t able to and they should never feel pressured or judged for not doing so. I think both cultures could learn from each other in the way we treat the elderly.

Jonathan Richeson

9/28/2014 06:32:34 pm

I think that it's interesting that the simplistic Ideals of "Individualism" and "Independence" can cause such problems with elderly people. I do believe that elderly people have been replaced with books, professors, and the internet. However I only think that they have been replaced by more qualified individuals. For instance who would you ask about becoming a millionaire, your grandfather or a financial expert? I do feel though, that the elderly have vast amounts of wisdom that other younger generations may not have. An elderly person in America is someone whom you would go to for life decisions or feelings for their wisdom.

9/29/2014 01:02:12 am

Like the articles say, I don't think we care about our elderly here in America, but at the same time I don't think we can say that they necessarily have it bad. If you look at all the technological advances geared toward helping the elderly it's even hard to say that they could live a bad life in their later years. Electric chairs that go up the stairs (hey that rhymes!), scooters to aid them getting around, buses and vans to help those out who can't get around and even someone to take care of you at home! Of course in the family aspect of all this (as mentioned in the first article) we do kind of go off and live by ourselves. We don't usually stop in on a daily basis and check in on our grandparents, they are just kind of there, like a friend or someone when you need them. It's also true that our grandparents are "wisdom banks", they have experience many things and hold many stories and morals to tell, and this, I believe is something we miss out on.

Mrs. Clark

9/29/2014 12:39:15 pm

A lot of what you mentioned costs money, so what about those you cannot afford those luxuries?

connor muirhead link

9/29/2014 01:15:04 am

I find it very sad that america and some other western countries do not treat the eldery as the rest of the world does. It seems that in other countries the eldery are treated at the highest respect and there families look after them till the end. While western countries treat eldery well but we send them away at there final yaers. This is complete opposites as its considered to be hinderous to keep eldery around in western countries, and its honorably in eastern countries to look after there eldery. I would never put my parent in an a retirment home not because I dont trust the doctors and nurses's there. But because I would personnaly want to take care of them as best as I could.

Morgan

9/29/2014 02:07:11 am

I agree

srdja

9/29/2014 01:31:41 am

These articles opened my mind and my empathy for old people. After this I am sure I will pay more attention of my grandparents. Every time they asked me about they phone or computer I just felt very bored explaining them every time how to do something. But know I understand they need for help. Also it is interesting about contrast about East and West in first I article. I really do not understand that. These articles make me call my grandparent. Now, they are far away from me and I really miss them.

Jordan Farrah

9/29/2014 01:46:49 am

I found it interesting how in our country we expect our elders to support themselves. I never really realized that other countries had family member live together until death. I think that our american culture is a lot worse than many others. The way we treat our elders is not appropriate we even send them to homes and expect them to live on their own. Most times we don't even visit our elders which is complety disrespectful to the people that raised us and created us.

Morgan

9/29/2014 02:06:42 am

After reading the two articles I agree I was not surprised because western culture is often viewed as ignorant and not responsible and I was not at all surprised to see the difference. I believe retirement homes are almost relatable to death camps because they are sent their and either never seen or rarely seen by their families again.

jackson sjogren

9/29/2014 05:31:07 am

After I read the two articles In realized how much family matters in different cultures. In america we rely on family much less in comparison to areas like Asia. Family in other countries live together all their lifes. Yet in america we often get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to say hi or see how other family is doing.

Seamus McGarvey

9/29/2014 05:51:13 am

I think it is upsetting how the elderly are treated in our society. Just because they are physically olde

Piper Tompkins

9/29/2014 09:25:57 am

“A traditional Asian household is far more likely to include a grandparent, whereas nursing homes in the United States, Australia and many parts of the West are increasingly overcrowded.”
I found this quote very interesting and sad. They said America mostly focuses on youth and individualism. It seems as though once you pass your youth, you become chopped liver. All your accomplishments don't matter because now you're old; I think that is ridiculous. America should start welcoming the idea that the older you are the more life experience you have had. The elderly have so much knowledge that we don't respect, and I think we should start to.

Noah

9/30/2014 02:34:52 am

Honestly i would perfer to be put in an elderly home. Ive been inside them before and honestly it looks kinda nice. Yeah, maybe sitting around and eating brunch sounds nice to a teenager. Maybe my ideals will change as time passes. But also as someone who lives in a western culture i did not understand why people lived with thier parents after age 40. But when i put it into perspective, yeah, we should be entitled to take care of our parents in the same sense that they took care of us in our early days. However, having that spirit of independence that i will probably keep for the rest of my life, i would probably feel like a hassle to my children and prefer to live with my wife in our own house. There shouldn't be anything wrong with that. Eastern and western countries should just accept their differences.
Yeah retirement homes sound bad to eastern countries. However there are things that are normal to them that sound bad to us. We should just accept our differences. The only thing that we shouldn't tolerate are the foreign policys that the Obama administration has and the isis forces. Those have to go.

Noah Legier

9/30/2014 02:35:39 am

Im Noah Legier by the way

Julia

10/20/2014 03:51:19 am

I think it is really sad how some families see the elders in the family as a hassle and something more to take care of. I feel like Elders should be put up on a pedestal and praised by a family because they were once the care taker of everyone. I wonder if in some areas around the world the elderly that are treated as royalty ever notice how it is in america and how poorly some families treat them.

Please write a brief "Think-Feel-Wonder" post in response to the two articles you read about treatment of the elderly. Please comment on the reflections of your classmates.

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