What culture/society has respect for their aging population? I was on a bus and watched as all the young?

Question

people sat and ignored the fact that there were older people being tossed about on the bus and none of them offered their seats to them. They were oblivious-on their cell phones, i-pods, etc. and it was as if the very thought of being courteous, considerate, or respectful wasn't even a part of their make-up. It really saddened me deeply that this society is so warped in what matters and what children are taught/not taught. So, where are aging populations treated with respect and it would be a given that a bus seat would be offered, by all the kids, without a blink of an eye?

Answer 1

LOL I think (honestly yes) any place aside from the USA

Answer 2

Philippine culture has respect for aging population. It is already in the Filipino psyche. If what you were saying happens here, I doubt that Filipino children will not be bothered seeing aged people standing in the bus.

If however, it does happens here, think about what it means? Generations before teach even children to offer their seats to the elders. But now, its the other way around. Children are given the seats!

I think the quester is mentioning about the current trend in Philippine setting because it seems young Filipinos are losing some sense of respect for the elders. I don't think so. Young Filipinos are more discerning. If they will be offering seats to the elders, it MUST NOT because of mere blind respect for them. Otherwise, this is blantantly aristocratic and autoritanism of the elders.

Elders should be respected because of the wisdom that they give to the young. The mere giving them of the young's seat is a symbol of the young's regard to them because of their frail body yet highly regarded soul.

But please let not not always blame the young for being disrespectful. Kindly look at their perspective too.

For the elders, speak out if you need your seat.

I am not yet old, but I have back problems. I am male and expected to offer seats to women or elders. People misunderstood if I don't offer seat. But I do speak up when I need the seat to protect my back. A simple request to the much younger and stronger people seated will earn your respect.

Answer 3

I was raised to do that, and I feel guilty if I'm on a bus, and don't offer my seat to an old person, pregnant woman, or person who's obviously having trouble standing. So I always do. In my neighborhood in Philly where I was raised, most of the young people would od the same. I was surprised when I first moved to LA, and found that none of the younger people, or even my male roommates offered their seats to anyone. (I was also taught that men would be the first to offer their seats)

Answer 4

I know exactly where you're coming from. I have never seen such an extreme amount of unmannerly, impolite, disrespectful, younger people. Not all, of course. All I can say is that if God is willing , and you youngsters live long enough, you just may get back a taste of your own medicine. I'm not an old woman yet, but, when we were teenagers, we looked out for our elders. Nowadays, some kids are really just punks.

Answer 5

I'm 58 years old and when I see an older person than myself or even a younger person with standing difficulties...I get up and give my seat to their needs. That is how I was brought up -- to respect my elders, no matter how old I am.

Answer 6

China, Spain, Mexico

Answer 7

Japan

Answer 8

I was always taught to respect my elders and I teach my kids the same. Native American

Answer 9

It so so saddens me as well. I am in the UK.

Countries for example such as China and Japan have more respect. We should learn from that.

Answer 10

True Hawaiians are very respectful of their cultures and RESPECT their elders (someone who is 100% Hawaiian from both sides for generations)...and it seems also the Chinese culture.