Italy Life Stages: Old Age
Respected and Secure
Senior citizens are given a lot of respect and importance in Italy in deference to their experience and worldly wisdom. They are given discounts at restaurants, priority in supermarket lines, and preference when walking on narrow pavements. The elderly are also financially sound by this age and do not have to depend on their children. They spend their time reading newspapers or magazines, strolling in the parks, or watching television. Playing with their grandchildren and helping teenage children with their lessons over the weekend are also popular pastimes.
Family Ties
Generally, the care of the elderly is the responsibility of their adult children. In the past, Italy even had a custom where one child would stay unmarried to take care of the family’s elders. These days, however, many families are increasingly dependent on paid care, mostly in the form of immigrant domestic help. This is mainly because women, who used to stay at home to take care of children and elders, are more likely to be employed. Old-age homes are still considered the last resort in Italy, since the culture strongly encourages familial care for children and the elderly.
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