American Culture

American culture is generally individualistic and places a high value on independence. This can sometimes lead to older adults being seen as a burden on their families and society as a whole. However, there is also a growing awareness of the importance of respecting and caring for older adults.

One of the most common ways that American culture cares for older adults is through nursing homes. Nursing homes provide housing and care for older adults who are no longer able to live independently. However, nursing homes can be expensive and impersonal, and many older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible.

Another way that American culture cares for older adults is through community-based services. Community-based services provide a variety of support to older adults, such as transportation, meal delivery, and personal care. Community-based services can help older adults to stay independent and live in their own homes longer.

Japanese Culture

Japanese culture is generally collectivistic and places a high value on family and community. This means that older adults are typically respected and cared for by their families.

One of the most common ways that Japanese culture cares for older adults is through multigenerational households. Multigenerational households are households that include members of different generations, such as grandparents, parents, and children. Multigenerational households can provide a lot of support for older adults, as they can help with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare.

Another way that Japanese culture cares for older adults is through敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi), or Respect for the Aged Day. Keirō no Hi is a national holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday of September each year. Keirō no Hi is a day to celebrate older adults and to show appreciation for their contributions to society.

Comparison of American and Japanese Culture in the Treatment of Older Adults

There are a number of similarities and differences in the way that American and Japanese cultures treat older adults.

One similarity is that both cultures have a variety of ways to care for older adults, including nursing homes, community-based services, and multigenerational households.

Another similarity is that both cultures value older adults and their contributions to society. However, the way that this value is expressed is different in each culture. In American culture, the value of older adults is often expressed through individual acts of kindness and respect. In Japanese culture, the value of older adults is often expressed through social norms and traditions.

One key difference between the two cultures is the role of the family. In American culture, the family is seen as the primary unit of social support. However, in Japanese culture, the family is seen as part of a larger community. This means that older adults in Japanese culture often have a stronger support network than older adults in American culture.

Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory

Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory is a theory of human development that describes eight stages of development that humans go through from infancy to old age. Each stage is characterized by a different conflict that the individual must resolve in order to develop successfully.

The eight stages of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory are:

• Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust (Birth to 18 months): In this stage, the infant learns to trust the world around them based on the care and attention they receive from their caregivers.
• Stage 2: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 months to 3 years): In this stage, the toddler learns to be independent and to control their own bodies.
• Stage 3: Initiative vs. Guilt (3 to 6 years): In this stage, the preschooler learns to take initiative and to explore the world around them.
• Stage 4: Industry vs. Inferiority (6 to 12 years): In this stage, the school-age child learns to be productive and to develop their skills.
• Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion (12 to 18 years): In this stage, the adolescent develops a sense of identity and who they are as a person.
• Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation (18 to 40 years): In this stage, the young adult develops close relationships with others.
• Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation (40 to 65 years): In this stage, the middle-aged adult contributes to society and to future generations.
• Stage 8: Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65 years and older): In this stage, the older adult reflects on their life and comes to terms with their mortality.

Examples of Each Stage of Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory

Trust vs. Mistrust

An example of the trust vs. mistrust stage is a baby who cries when their mother leaves the room. This is because