Comment by smath
2 hours ago
This is factually accurate - I agree with the description. But I think this new system makes it sound like the ageing parents only need financial and mechanical help -- (handyman etc.), what about emotional support? No, I don't think phone calls cut it. Humans did not evolve to live far away from their kin.
> what about emotional support? No, I don't think phone calls cut it. Humans did not evolve to live far away from their kin.
Children don't choose to be born. Once they reach adulthood the parents are owed nothing. Ideally they were such good parents that the kids want to maintain contact.
Workers should spread the cost of elder care because so many are living long with serious limitations. It's like insurance against otherwise devastating burdens.
Absolutely. Most people don't realise that the biggest problem old people experience is loneliness. My friend, an only child, came back to India from the US, to personally care for his parents once he realised they were too old to care for themselves properly and needed support.
Nowadays, young people gain experience in being lonely already when young, so they will be a pro at it when old.