A culture of aging

Merriam-Webster defines “culture” as:

the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time (“Culture,” n.d.)

Culture is defined by common threads of belief, thought, and behavior within a social group or society as a whole (Mackelprang & Salsgiver, 2009, p. 111). It is conveyed through human interaction, observation, and communication.

I think that older adults certainly do have a culture. It may be forged from friendships and activities with other people of their age group, from experiences common to growing old, from having lived through the same historical and cultural events, and numerous other factors.

I don’t believe any culture or group can be said to be just like another, because doing so would promote a reductive understanding of the unique struggles each group has experienced. However, a culture of aging can be said to be like those of other oppressed groups in that belonging to a culture, especially a culture of people who have experienced similar oppressions, can bring empowerment through solidarity.

References

Culture. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture

Mackelprang, R., & Salsgiver, R. (2009). Disability: A diversity model approach in human service practice (2nd ed.). Chicago: Lyceum Books.