What, in general, are the attitudes towards old people? are they respected and helped?

Answer 1

It differs with religion and country.

I've noticed that some countries (in the western area) usually send their elders to a "nursing home" or similar. They don't have time to care for them or can't afford a caregiver. They are usually dismissed and cast aside as if their opinions don't matter because they're aged. They are sometimes taunted and played pranks upon by younger people. I'm not saying everyone does it. As in the question, it's generalized.

Here in the east and in Christianity in general, we hold elders in high regard. Usually, they stay with their immediate family. They are the wise ones we turn to in time of problems. They are highly respected and we usually bow or press their hands upon our foreheads as a sign of respect upon meeting. We never shout or speak in high tones of voice. We stand up when they enter the room. Usually, their opinions matter most in discussions. They are most respected because they have gone through a full life. They know more than we can ever know. Again, I hope nobody takes offense.

I hope I helped!

Answer 2

Aziz,

I don't think you have to be Muslim or christian in order to care for the elder...you just have to have a good heart. I am a christian and i have up most respect and love for all people and i treat all human kind with respect, because i know if i respect others that is what i will get back.

Answer 3

In the American South, our Elders are often active well into the 80's & 90's and are well taken care of. They are doted on and treasured. They are marvels of teaching -all sorts of things. It doesn't matter if they are really your relative or not-past a certain age we all claim them as our own. In her 70's my Mother once said to me:" I can tell I am growing old because everyone is so sweet to me!" No one is sent to a nursing home , unless there is no choice & then visited by cousins 3x's removed!We adore them.

Answer 4

In Islam and the Muslims society, highly respected, loved and taken care of instead of dumping them in old folks homes.

Answer 5

Probably better by people that are 35 and older. We were taught "the Golden Rule" as children in school if not at home.

A lot of younger people never even heard of it.

But there's a few of us that are trying to revive it!

Answer 6

Aziz is right!
We muslims take care of our old fathers & grand fathers & grand mothers & old moms...& all old people....be it our neighbour or any of our uncles/aunties....or a poor old beggar....
We respect them...!
UNLIKE the non-muslims, western people who think their old parents are now a load on their lives...
We have family culture...
Every person, father,mother, children, & grand parents all sit on a same place & have our lunch/dinner/breakfast...
We all have strong relations with our old people...
Not like others......
Our Islam has taught to respect olde people & take care of them....

where as others just kick their parents & grand parents out of house & send them to old houses...
There is no concept of old houses in Islam...
which means we all live with each other...

Answer 7

i treat old people with respect as long as they dont disrespect me or treat me like garbage. most are ok but ive had some treat me horrible. and most tip horribly too.