Does your country respect the elderly?

Question

I'm sorry to say this, but Greeks do not show a lot of respect for the elderly. Taxis avoid stopping when they see an elderly person with a cane looking for a taxi. Public transport expects the elderly to pay the full price for a ticket. The ticket inspectors will demand any elderly who has mistakenly lost or stamped the ticket more than once to pay a fine.

If they want to speak with an elderly person whom they do not know, they adress them as Grandma or Grandpa, not even caring if this bothers them or not... as if they don't have an identity of their own.

My mother is 75 years old and has to walk with a cane. she always tries to cross the roads as quickly as possible, but the pain makes her movements a bit slow. She has heard comments from drivers like... "Get out of the street old woman! "You should stay at home old woman!"

They make her cry. Why??!!!

Does your country respect the elderly? Which country do you live in?

Answer 1

I live in the Philippines and we definitely respect the elderly, no matter what the race is. We respect them in every possible way...
People here assist elders when crossing streets most especially if they have load on their hands (bags, baskets,etc). Vehicles slow down if anyone is crossing the street (old and young alike).
In public transports, elders get 20% discount on their fares and if they don't have money to pay, some drivers/inspectors would let them ride for free. Also, if elders get up a jeepney or a bus, people assist them so that they won't trip. Lastly, people do offer the seat closest to the door of the vehicle so that it will be easier for the elder to sit once they're in.

Answer 2

What makes those younger think they're better people just because they're quicker? Where is the respect their parents should have taught them - not just respect for their elders, but respect for humans in general. Why don't they see that they will be using the cane some day in their future, and just abide by the Golden Rule?

It seems to me that in the US, at least from what I've seen, we do have a better view of the elderly. We're not perfect, but I see enough programs from many sources designed to help the elderly. It all comes down to individuals, because every single person can make a difference in some way.

Answer 3

In the US blatant comments like that would likely result in someone saying something or at least looking at them in a disapproving way. I don't think the USA shows the respect we could. I've searched my own feelings about this now that I'm getting older and slower. Seems to me we tolerate older people. feel sorry for them sometimes, resent the time they take when they are slow. To value them? I don't see much of that. We don't use familiar terms like Grandma if we don't know the person, as a rule.
Most banks, public employees are tolerant and patient with most older folks unless the older person is cranky. My mother had dementia at 80++ years. One bank took her to a desk when she entered. They helped her conduct her business and saw that her money was safely in her purse before she left the bank.
We have reduced meals at some restaurants, senior centers, and reduced senior prices for a lot of things.
I've had young people give me their seat on the Max train which is very respectful. The young folks and men often hold open a door and/or let me go first.
I guess we do pretty good compared to Greece.

Answer 4

Here in Baja California Mexico, I find that younger people emulate American youth, they think old folks are invisible. But not all, a teenager with a Fubu hoodie will hold the door open for me, a shaved head guy with full sleeve tattoos helps me with grocery bags. We see whole families accompanying abuela to the market or bank. Crossing the street in heavy traffic is always a death wish, but there will be a kid to take you by the arm and help. A great country.

Answer 5

I will tell about a typical country in the middle east ( guess?) which respect the "Golden Age" people . Strangers could address you as "papa or grandpa" very easily. Being a immigrant country I found out that people of Eastern background are more respectful to old people. We have about 80000 Philippines helping our old & disabled people. Much activities are organised by city counsels & private organization including food, tours,volenteers, religious holidays & so on & on. The Government on its behalf tryies its best to help these weak civilians. There is a song in this country " don't throw me when I'm old ". Guess which country?

Answer 6

It is sad that in Greece it is like that. I am 74 years old and I have the privilege of being respected in my country, the Philippines. We are looked upon as the best advisers by the youngsters. Young men and young women give their their seats at the buses. We are lead to the front when we are queuing on bus lines, banks, groceries, etc. This is also true to the handicaps like the lame, the blind, the pregnant, etc.

I think this is the custom and tradition of almost Asian nations, like the Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, etc.

But there are some exceptions. Elders are not vulnerable to criminals like robbers, muggers and even killers. They don't respect anybody.

Answer 7

I was going to say 'no' but I don't think it's as bad as your mother's experiences here in England! The problem in this country lies with the younger generation; a lot of younger people don't realise how important and knowledgeable the older generation are, and it's even more important to talk to them now, because they won't be around forever.
I hear stories about elderly people being mugged and beaten and it just baffles me. How dare people pick on the venerable members of our society? Especially those who fought for our freedom and future generations in the wars.
It makes me so mad.

Answer 8

Umm Yes and No. Here in Australia, we have some very good systems put in place for the elderly, then again, there are lots of people who are just plain intolerant of the elderly. I really think that much of our society has lost the ability to be empathetic to other people's needs and abilities.

Answer 9

As an American I was going to say, here we are not respected, until I read this. We do not get much respect from young people, but relative to the Greeks we are well off.

Answer 10

I live in the USA and it could be better than it is,but it is not as bad as you say it is in Greece. That is shameful to treat them that way.