7 cultures that celebrate the elderly
Remember when you were a kid and your parents (or possibly a cheeky older sibling) would remind you to “respect your elders”? Sadly, it doesn’t seem like the concept has caught on too well these days. We could certainly learn a thing or two from these 7 cultures that celebrate ageing and venerate those who have years of experience and wisdom to offer.
1. Greece
Today, you may hear the term “old man” being thrown around like an insult, but in the Greek language, “Geronda” is used as a term of endearment towards abbots (and “Gerondissa” for abbesses). It’s a way of honouring their age and showing respect.
2. Native Americans
Native Americans are brought up never to fear death, but rather to accept it as just another part of life. In most tribal communities which still exist around North America, the elderly are revered for their wisdom and life experiences, which they are expected to hand down to the next generation.
3. Korea
Like the Chinese, Koreans often turn to the wisdom of Confucius when it comes to celebrating age. Younger members of the family are relied on to provide care to not only their elderly parents and grandparents, but all elderly people. 60th and 70th birthdays are also hugely important milestones in Korea, and are often celebrated with big parties.
4. China
The Chinese believe in the tradition of “filial piety” – the Confucian concept of holding elders in high esteem. In China, respect for one’s parents is considered to be one of the most important virtues, and adult children are expected to look after their parents as they get older. In fact, placing one’s parents in a retirement home is seen as the ultimate insult.
5. India
In India, the eldest members are the heads of the family. Mutual support between all generations is a given, and grandparents are hugely instrumental in shaping the lives of their grandchildren. Like in China, placing your Indian parents in a retirement home is believed to be incredibly disrespectful.
6. African Americans
In a similar way to Native Americans, African Americans are taught to see death as a fact of life and not something to be feared. Most African American funerals, while sombre, are also extremely life-affirming and celebratory of life itself.
7. Ancient Rome
Given that Ancient Romans rarely lived beyond the age of 25, those who managed to live into their 60s and beyond were highly esteemed for having wisdom and experience that few at the time could hope for. In the words of Cicero, who lived to 63, “there is assuredly nothing dearer to a man than wisdom, and though age takes away all else, it undoubtedly brings us that.”
How do you think we can encourage today’s youth to pay their elders with more respect? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Related links:
90-year-old’s beautiful birthday speech reflecting on her life
Poem highlights the beauty of ageing