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Ageism Around the World
Cultures around the world treat the elderly in different ways.Generally, there is an inverse relationship between the level of modernization and that country’s treatment of the elderly. This wasconfirmed by research (Cox 1998) that compared the status of elderlyin countries with differing levels of industrialization.Ageism is found cross-culturally but is most prevalent and of concern in the United States and United Kingdom. Older citizens insuch countries are often regarded with fear and anxiety. Minimalresearch has been done on ageism in comparison to research onsexism and racism. The main reason for this is that age prejudice is stillconsidered socially acceptable by most. Old age in these countries isapproached with dread and as a social problem, rather than a naturalprocess.
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Ageism in other developed countries is on the rise. In Japan,experienced elderly workers are becoming homeless becauseemployers are too concerned about age.
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Australians also havewidespread negative attitudes towards the elderly
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. The media is oftenresponsible for ageism-related problems by perpetuating myths andfocusing on negatives.Other cultures still treat elders with respect and reverence. InBotswana, the elderly are considered wise and greetings towards themare always more respectful. Even the first gray hair is consideredlucky.
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Some tribes in southern Africa believe that old age as a sign of approaching “the real world of the spirits.” China and Japan usuallytreat elders with more respect as their age is recognized as “a sourceof prestige and honor”. The Japanese believe that one can only masteran art during middle age. Although no culture is completely respectfulto the elderly, some have far more serious problems than others. Thedifficulty of curing negative ageist attitudes in the modern world hasalready become nearly impossible in the short term.
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03 / 13 / 2011This doucment made it onto the Rising List!
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