Final answer:
Asian elders living with children are often better supported due to cultural norms such as filial piety, contrasting with Western individualism, but they may lack adequate government programs for elderly care. The care responsibilities may shift due to changing economic and familial circumstances, leading to the need for more government or community involvement in some areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asian elders who live with children are less likely to be seen as a burden and may receive more familial support due to cultural attitudes such as filial piety, which emphasize deference and respect towards one's parents and ancestors. In Asian countries, there may be a lack of government programs to support the elderly, as the responsibility for elder care traditionally lies firmly with the family. This contrasts with some Western perspectives, where elderly care is often considered voluntary and the elderly are expected to maintain independence unless they require assistance due to poor health. As industrialization has caused younger generations to move to cities for work, many elderly people now find themselves living apart from their families, which can be challenging emotionally and practically.
These shifts in family dynamics and economic demands have led to an increased necessity for community and government care for the elderly. Governments in different countries have varying approaches to elderly care, with some like China considering it a sacred duty of the family, while others like Germany and Italy recognize a greater role for the state.
Mistreatment and abuse of the elderly is a significant social issue, and the situation is made complex by the elders' lifetime of experience and developed personality. The care-providing situation for the elderly differs markedly from that of children due to these factors, which can lead to a more complicated dynamic.