Cultural considerations
Cultural considerations
Where older people desire or expect to age is also influenced by their heritage or cultural background. Some cultures place high value on aging and revere older people, whereas other cultures view aging as a negative experience and associate it with bleak stereotypes (Fernandes, 2023). This is most often though of in terms of Western individualism and Eastern collectivism (Fernandes, 2023). For example it is not uncommon for people in Asian cultures to live in multigenerational homes, because it is viewed as the children’s responsibility to care for their parents when they are older (Migala, 2022). Race, ethnicity, and resource availability all intersect in the aging in place conversation (Migala, 2022). Globalization and immigration also contribute to the higher need to consider ethnic or cultural considerations.
The following resources offer insight into additional cultural and ethnic considerations:
Chen, X., Hu, Y., Xu, Q. et al. Aging in Chinatowns: the Meaning of Place and Aging Experience for Older Immigrants. J Cross Cult Gerontol 37, 375–391 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-022-09463-1
American Psychological Association. (2013). Multicultural Aging: A Resource Guide [website]. Available at: https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/guides/multicultural
French, T. (2024). Culture and Aging [webpage]. Amada Senior Care. Available at: https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/2019/05/culture-and-aging/
It can also be a factor in preparedness and opportunity. It is important to prepare professionals who work with older people to be aware of how culture, ethnicity and immigration intersect to how and where they desire to age. Providing equitable care includes respecting diverse beliefs and working to make appropriate care accessible within each older person’s context.
Activity
This activity takes into consideration how culture, ethnicity and immigration may impact one’s ability to age in place. View the following slides from the Centre for Aging Better in the UK (https://ageing-better.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-04/Ageing-inequality-and-ethnicity.pdf). How does culture and ethnicity affect how one may age in place from an EDIA perspective?
How might these factors effect their health, both physically and mentally?
Activity
This activity considers the First Nations People in Canada and how culture, traditions and beliefs impact concepts of aging in place and aging well.
Walker et al. (2019) completed a qualitative study to understand aging well from the First Nations perspective. Through the Ontario First Nations Aging Study, much was learned about the value of elders, connections with people and connection to the land.
Write a reflective journal entry, expressing thoughts, concerns, and initial understanding of how culture and ethnicity contribute to aging in place and aging well.
Connect to a case story
How would their ethnicity/culture influence where they desire to age?
Is this feasible in their context? (For example, consider availability and access to resources)
Additional Resources
Sheria G. Robinson-Lane, Florence U. Johnson, Marie Jeanne Tuyisenge, Matthias Kirch, Loretta L. Christensen, Preeti N. Malani, Erica Solway, Dianne C. Singer, Jeffrey T. Kullgren, Antonios M. Koumpias. 2023). Racial and ethnic variances in preparedness for aging in place among US adults ages 50–80. Geriatric Nursing, 54: 357-364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.09.010.