During the last few meetings with numerous care organisations - i have had the opportunity to discuss my ideas for future program's around Integenerational Arts.
It has come to my attention that this is where the main difference lies between the two countries - US and UK.
The stigma around the 'elderly' in the US is horrific and young adults do not spend much quality time with their parents / grandparents in the large cities such as New York / Chicago etc. Also - due to the healthcare in the US it is very expensive for any medical treatment, day centres or care facilities. So all of these factors provide difficulty in providing a successful integenerational project and this is why there are few set up in the cities.
It made me realise how proud we are as a country in respecting our elders. I see the elderly as a key to our society, who teach us respect and general knowledge to make us who we are today. If we see elders standing on the bus we always move and give up the seat - but here in the US i have seen the complete opposite. I was not aware of the difference and this has changed my outlook on Creative Aging and how culture needs to change as soon as possible - What could be done to prevent this??
