Final answer:
Comprehensive elder care significantly benefits elderly individuals' well-being, promoting independence through aging in place and smart home technologies. Cultural differences influence the approach to elder care, with some societies expecting family involvement while others emphasize individual independence and planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comprehensive elder care has strong positive effects on elders' physical and mental health. Most prefer to live in aging in place: "smart homes"- modifying private residence responsive to aging-related needs- Hiring a caregiver- Changing the normal environment is preferable to moving into an institution.
As society progresses, the concept of elderly independence and proactive quality-of-life decisions are becoming increasingly important. Many individuals are now engaging in retirement planning and legal preparations in advance, such as living wills and medical power of attorney, to ensure their wishes are respected as they age.
In cultural contexts, there is a stark contrast in perceptions of elder care. For instance, in Asian societies, family-based elder care is expected, whereas in Western countries, there is a greater emphasis on independence and voluntary care by family members. Nonetheless, the reality of modern economics and demographic shifts compels a reevaluation of elder care, wherein institutions and government programs are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally filled by families.