4 Benefits to Aging in Asia

Posted on February 17, 2017 by

28 Comments

One of the most interesting topics in exploring our world are the differences in culture particularly in caring for children and the elderly.  This picture is my father before he passed away.  Watching him squeeze unnaturally into a tuk tuk in Thailand reminds me of the differences in the elderly in these cultures compared to my own. Today I will mention 5 interesting observations seen in the Asian aging culture.

old-manIf you don’t move it, you lose it!  Flexibility, climbing, walking long distances, getting in and out of hammocks are continued through the ages.  We have even seen those over 100 years old going up and down stairs each day.

 

Retirement?  Most Asians say that can stand being bored and enjoy their work.  They continue to work as long as they can.  Retirement is also not an option and even though they may not work full-time, they help wash the clothes and care for the children.

In most all Asian countries the elderly lead community activities, events, worship, and are the decision makers for their village.  They are considered wise and are consulted on many everyday matters.

laundry

elderly-home

childcare

One thing is certain.  Life is difficult for many elderly people and the impact of labor migration on the elderly is tremendous and just now being written about.  Many young adults are migrating to cities, often in other countries, to make a living.  They leave behind small children to be cared for by aging parents.  The stress is tremendous on the elderly as they care for these small children in often impoverished conditions with little to no help.

There is one major thing in common for the elderly all around the world especially the men.  They love to gather in the mornings for coffee (or in China for tea). This is how they begin their day and discuss their issues.

A few things I’ve learned that I want to integrate into my aging experience.

  1. I want to be able to move and keep active.
  2. I want to be resilient and be able to work all my life.
  3. I want to have time to gather with friends for a morning coffee too!

How about you?  What do you see yourself doing as you age?  What would you like to do different from your culture?  If you like this article, please click like and share it with others.  Your effort to do this makes a difference in other people who can learn from these experiences too!

Category: Café Overseas

28 Comments on “4 Benefits to Aging in Asia”

    • I was reading through your blogs and realized your a great writer. Feel free to critique any of my blogs as I would love your advice and take constructive criticism well. Thank you!

      Liked by 2 people

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      • Thank you so much for the compliment! Not too sure its entirely deserved, but I am working my little keyboard off to get better.

        As far as sharing constructive criticism, I think you have an EXCELLENT idea. We are both growing as bloggers and it sounds like we both thrive on constructive criticism. This is EXACTLY the kind of blogging community I am hoping to be a part of.

        I love the idea of sharing constructive critiques with one another when we have specific comments to share. We have an email address that we can pull from comments. We can start there.

        Again, what a great idea! Let’s see what happens, and regardless, I’m a big fan and a happy follower!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Sounds great Gabe! A blogging community with that kind of heart would be good and very unique! It’s hard to find good writers willing to help each other. I’m very glad to have your support. I look forward to your next blog!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Beautiful portrait, both in pictures and in your blog, of the people in Asia. So very true – we are trying to keep moving, keep working and having that community cup of coffee when we can. Thanks for sharing your heart through these blogs. Keep them coming!

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    • Ahh! What a lovely surprise to hear from you! And especially from someone I know aging so beautifully! Say hi to Rick from us. We miss you guys.

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  5. Great post, loved the photos. It’s a great reminders to keep active and keep moving around. Even if it’s for short walks. In the UK because of the weather many tend to stay indoors and watch TV piling on the pounds as the years goes by. This is a great reminder.

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  6. I see this point of difference here in Australia, too. The Asian elders are respected by their younger counterparts and appear humble and willing to play a greater role in their communities. It is quite lovely to see.
    I really enjoyed this post; you are a good writer, as Gabe Burkhardt mentioned above.

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  8. Great Article and so spot on. I live in Nicaragua the elderly here also do much of the child care so the younger generation can go work. That includes washing clothes by hand, cooking over a wood fire, and chasing down the occasional 5 year old that has strayed. They do an awful lot of walking here too.
    I will be watching for more of your articles, keep up the great work.

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    • Thank you Fred! I love giving perspective from a simpler life. As you’ve seen, the western mind often complicates daily life. Thank you for your encouragement. I look forward to hearing more from you.

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  9. Yes, something that I noticed, while a 20 year-old, driving past paddy fields in Vietnam, back in the 60s, is that those peasant people, working their rice fields, knew nothing about what was going on in Saigon, nor did the government care about them. I had a similar feeling, driving past huts in the Philippines, in the 70s.

    Sometimes, when I think about what is going on Washington today, perhaps that simpler way of life has a certain appeal.

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    • That’s interesting. I too wonder with all this access to information outside our town, have we hurt ourselves in that we don’t get the quiet and peace of a simple life. Thank you for response and deep thought on the matter. Thank you for stopping by today.

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  11. This is so true…you captured the Asian essence of aging very well…makes me proud to be of the Asian descent. I almost forgot to look at our elderly in this light…what with all the distractions in life. Thanks for reminding me this.

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      • Philippines… The elderly in my country are as you described.My great granny lived to be 102..haha. My grandma who is now 86,could still lift heavy things and work all day.I don’t know exactly where they get their strength… They keep on telling me it’s all in the coffee and vegetables.. Haha

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      • Awe that’s great! Having Philippine genes is a gift! They are known for strength, endurance, health, and being strong willed women. No wonder your an excellent writer.

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