Forums

1. Are elderly people respected in your society/culture? What happens when people get too old to look after themselves?

I think that nowadays elderly people are not as respected in Finland as they have been 10-20 years ago. Most of elderly people lives in a sheltered home, an old people's home or a nursing home their last years. Many elderly persons stay in a hospice at their last days, months or years. They can be very lonely.


2. Have you ever cared for an elderly relative? What was it like?

I have not cared for an elderly relative. My mother died four months ago. She lived with my father and they tried to care for each other. Of course we visited their home every week at least once. I am quite sad about my mother dying. She was quite frail and she waited for dying. However I miss her.


3. Do you think the local or national government should do more to look after the elderly? If so, what?

Working life is very hard nowadays and therefore young people are very busy. They could like to take care of their parents but it is not possible. Many young people burn out in their job. Therefore it is important that the local or national government with relatives look after the elderly.

4. Are elderly people portrayed in stereotypical ways in the media in your country?
I think that elderly people do not portrayed in stereotypical ways in the media in Finland.

Hello mkorhone, thank you for your thoughtful message about elderly people in your country. I'm sorry about your mother - it is hard to say good-bye to your parents. I think your mother was lucky because she was able to be at home, and not in a nursing home.
Take care,
Pieter