Values and patterns of the word “old”: indicators from japanese descendants in Brazil

Abstract

The continuous aging population increase has been verified in all human societies. Therefore, it is necessary to act individually and collectively to reduce stigmata and prejudices impregnated in the society. Longevity has grown significantly, but the prejudices against old people are still very alive in our society. In the course of the discussions we will be reporting the statements of some individuals over sixty belonging to a cultural group constituted by first-and-second-generation Japanese descendants in Brazil. This descriptive study was supported by a specific bibliography and by a structured interview on what they consider old age. One of the remarkable aspects of the interviews was that, though belonging to a so-called modern society, the Japanese descendants do not consider themselves old nor like to be called so, in opposition to society’s concepts and prejudices. Aging is not relevant for them, but its importance pervades current society. Another relevant aspect in our study was to verify that what is really important for the interviewees is life valuing and enjoying the pleasure to live day by day.