the article includes the estimate that in 2050, one third of the population will be over the age of 60.
It also discusses how modernity and modern work schedules interfere with caring for the elders.
Here in the Philippines, many in the middle class work overseas, or in Manila, but usually part of the family remains home, but we too are starting to see some elderly left to fend for themselves.
Often funerals are delayed so that these overseas relatives can attend (it took a week for Lolo's daughter to get here, for example).
Another thing to note: Most people don't retire at 60 and with modern nutrition and medicine, usually old age doesn't start until age 70 or so.
so China's problems might not be as bad as it seems...
On the other hand, in the west, one suspects the rush to euthanasia is not inspired by compassion but by a cynical manipulation of the public to get rid of the elderly. A China that pushes abortion for population control might quietly impose death on their elderly population if there are economic problems with pensions etc.
What goes against this is Confucian values.
In the west, the elites are busy pushing the idea that only those old fashioned who go to church. Yes there are good secular humanists, but given the radical pro abortion movement that is now a litmus test for the Democratic party, one is not hopeful in the future (see Canada's rush to kill the eldelry and handicapped to see how this can be done...bet you didn't read about it, did you).
Finally, the article links to Confucian ideas of the family.
in a properly designed society according to Confucianism, people find themselves in these fundamental social relations and play their roles accordingly - submitting if they are a wife, younger brother or whatever, and leading if they are a father, ruler or husband. Moreover, people at the top of the hierarchy care for those "beneath" them as a good parent cares for a child.Filial piety is the expression of this parental care for those lower in the hierarchy, as well as for the respect those on the lower side pay for those "above" them in the hierarchy. Filial piety was an ancient concept tied to the worship of deceased ancestors that Confucius revived and broadened to apply to fundamental relations in society. In essence, he brought a sense of religious reverence or piety to the relationships of everyday life.
as I wrote earlier, one wishes the Pope, instead of handing out "get out of jail free" cards to those who broke the rules, would instead have suggested the importance of people following the rules, even if the rules are hard, because they are important not only for the children and women who are the main victims of divorce, but for society as a whole.
Nah, not PC I guess...
No comments:
Post a Comment