“… deemed disposable and without value …” How often does such a feeling lurk just under the surface unexpressed for too many people? Released a couple weeks ago, "Caregiving in America" does not dance around.
New Report on Caregiving Warns
of “Looming Crisis” for Baby Boomers
… Caregiving in America contrasts the U.S. with nations such as Japan, Germany and Austria who have handled the caregiving challenges of a rapidly aging population by adopting universal systems of long-term care. The United States arguably has no caregiving system at all.
“Underlying ageism can explain, in part, why this crisis receives less attention then it warrants,” says Dr. Robert Butler, Co-Director of The Caregiving Project for Older Americans and President and CEO of the ILC-USA. “Older people receiving care are deemed disposable and without value.” …
"Caregiving In America", the full report is available at:
It is very sad that the US as a country does not value older Americans.
ReplyDeleteDeb
Yep,
ReplyDeleteWonder what is going to happen to us, when we need to be taken care of..Bam
That is so sad. I know I will take care of my parents as they get older...
ReplyDeleteAmy
Why would I turn my back on my parents when they helped me so much while I had Charlie? They helped me with him, let us live with them and helped whenever I needed it. They are always welcome to come live with me when they need to!!
ReplyDeleteJackie
have a good evening
ReplyDeleteDeb
well, it's about time that something was done to bring this problem to a higher level of awareness... I've been hearing for all of my adult life that we don't respect our elders in the way that people from other parts of the world do. Getting old in our country is akin to growing weak and worthless. If you can't contribute to the economy, then it's time for you to go! Literally, that's how it seems to have been in the minds of most people when you look at movies and tv and commercials and magazines and newspapers... I think even the elderly tend to feel that way themselves and since they have become powerless in the process of aging, they can't fight it themselves. We babyboomers will have to step up to the plate, set the example. I think the children of the babyboomers have already stepped up to the plate, though. My son talks about geriatric issues nearly every time I visit him. I didn't know if it was because his parents are getting older, or because his field of pharmacy takes him there. Maybe both. <grin> After awareness comes action, and after action, change, and after change, an improved society as a whole where the elderly, even the dying, are valued, respected, and cared for. Bea
ReplyDeleteTimely topic, thanks Patrick. I find usually the way you're raised determines how you feel about your parents when they're infirm, and what action you take. Something to think about for those raising young ones now, I'd say. CATHY
ReplyDelete