EAST MEETS WEST: MAKING PREPARATIONS FOR OLD AGE. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fung, H H; Isaacowitz, D M
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 413
• Page End: 413
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1543
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: With increases in life expectancy, many people can expect to spend one quarter or even one third of their life in old age. Yet, although preparation for retirement has become increasingly common, preparation for old age, in areas such as housing and care, leisure activities, social relationships, finance, and death and dying, is less well understood. In this symposium, four panelists, two from Germany and two from Hong Kong, will present and discuss cross-cultural findings on preparations for old age. Although the focus is on Germany and Hong Kong, data on US and Japan will also be discussed to draw conclusions on East versus West distinctions. First, Rothermund and colleagues will discuss cultural differences in attitudes toward old age. They asked to what extent old age was perceived to be a period of rest/relaxation versus active engagement, and by whom. Then, Lang and colleagues will present cross-cultural findings on the timetables for starting and completing preparations for late life. Next, Fung and colleagues will discuss how religious belief and acceptance of death might account for cross-cultural differences in preparation for death and dying. Last but not least, Cheng will discuss how several global trends, such as financial uncertainty/pressure, new housing structures and living arrangements, and the popularity of social media, have changed the meaning of aging and preparation for old age. Finally, Dave Ekerdt will discuss the implications of these findings for the emerging field on late-life preparations, and for examining aging phenomena across diverse cultures.