Cross-cultural differences in attitudes about aging: Moving beyond the east-west dichotomy

Abstract

Research on cross-cultural differences in aging attitudes has long focused on comparisons between Asian and Western cultures. Such research was inspired by the belief that Confucian values and filial piety in Asian societies would translate into more positive attitudes towards aging and older adults than in the West. However, empirical evidence for this claim is scarce. Recent research indicates that population aging and socioeconomic development may play a more important role for aging attitudes than shared cultural values. Also, effects may differ across individual cultures and specific aspects of aging beliefs. This chapter begins with a definition of attitudes towards aging and a review of relevant theoretical frameworks for understanding cross-cultural differences. We then consider the empirical evidence for cultural differences in specific aspects of aging beliefs and attitudes and conclude with practical implications and an agenda for future research.