Celebrating ‘Respect for the Aged Day’

In Japan, “Respect for the Aged Day” is a national holiday dedicated to honouring and showing appreciation for the elderly. This day is celebrated on the third Monday of September each year and offers a moment to reflect on the contributions and wisdom of older generations.The values and customs surrounding this day have significant relevance for countries worldwide, including Ireland, where the importance of caring for and respecting older adults is similarly acknowledged.

As Private HomeCare is committed to providing quality care for the elderly, celebrating “Respect for the Aged Day” allows us to deepen our appreciation for older adults and enhance our approach to elder care. This blog post explores the origins and significance of this holiday in Japan, draws parallels with Irish culture, and discusses how both societies can learn from each other to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for older people.

Origins and Significance of “Respect for the Aged Day”

“Respect for the Aged Day” was first celebrated in 1947 in Japan. The idea was to set aside a day to honour the elders in the community, recognising their wisdom and contributions. The event gained popularity and spread throughout Japan, eventually becoming a national holiday in 1966.

On this day, Japanese families often visit their elderly relatives, bringing gifts and sharing meals together. Communities organise activities, such as performances, tea parties, and ceremonies, to celebrate the lives and achievements of older adults. Schools may also involve children in creating cards and gifts for their grandparents or elderly neighbours, fostering a sense of respect and gratitude from a young age.

The holiday reflects core Japanese values and respect for tradition. It serves as a reminder of the critical role older generations play in society and encourages younger people to learn from their experiences and wisdom.

Respect for Older People in Irish Culture

In Ireland, respect for the elderly is deeply ingrained in cultural values and traditions. The Irish have a strong sense of family and community and Irish families often have close-knit ties.

In recent years, Ireland has faced challenges similar to those in many other countries, including an aging population and the need to adapt services and infrastructure to support older adults. Initiatives such as Age-Friendly Ireland and The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of older people in Ireland.

Parallels Between Japan and Ireland

Japan and Ireland, despite their geographical distance and cultural differences, share several similarities in how we view and treat our elderly populations:

1. Cultural Reverence: Both countries have deep-rooted cultural traditions that emphasize respect and reverence for older adults. In Japan, this is reflected in holidays like “Respect for the Aged Day”. In Ireland, this is seen in the close-knit family structures and the importance placed on storytelling, music and sport passed down through generations.
2. Community Involvement: In both countries, communities play a crucial role in supporting the elderly. Local organizations, community centres, and volunteer groups in Japan and Ireland organise events and services that cater to the needs of older adults, promoting social inclusion and well-being.
3. Intergenerational Connections: Encouraging interactions between different age groups is a priority in both societies. In Japan, children are taught to respect and honour their elders from a young age, while in Ireland, family gatherings and community events often involve multiple generations, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Lorna Conn, CEO of our parent company CPL says “Our business starts and ends with people – all 14,000 – so providing a working environment that promotes diversity, equality and inclusivity in a ‘must have’ for us, and we tolerate nothing less”.

DEI includes age as well as gender, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, lifestyle and more.

Within this context, Private HomeCare’s responsibility is to keep older people to the fore and not be forgotten. We want to stimulate conversations about ageing and keep these conversations going. This goes hand in hand with our ethos, which remains unchanged since our formation in 1989 “we care for others as we would like to be cared for ourselves”.

Founder and Managing Director Elizabeth Nicholson says “Respect for the Aged is one of my favourite dates of the year because we take our responsibilities seriously with regard to older people and people who need to be cared for. We also want to challenge perceptions of ageism in Ireland and align them more with the Japanese attitudes to older people, who are deeply respected for their wisdom and contribution to society. Each year we plant an oak sapling to remember and honour all the deceased in our community on All Souls Day (November 2^nd).  On average oak trees live to 600 years, but some reach 1000 years old.Those of us lucky enough to grow old would like to be valued and day remembered for our wisdom achieved through life experience too”.

The Role of Private HomeCare

As a home care company, we have a vital role in promoting the values of “Respect for the Aged Day” in our daily work. By providing compassionate and personalised care, we can ensure that older adults receive the support and respect they deserve. Here are some ways we can all contribute:

1. Empower older adults to maintain their independence and dignity.
2. Encourage social interactions and community engagement to help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
3. Taking the time to listen to and learn from the stories and experiences of the older adults in our lives.
4. We support families by offering guidance and resources to help them navigate the challenges of caring for aging relatives.

“Respect for the Aged Day” in Japan is a powerful reminder of the importance of honouring and valuing older generations. As we reflect on this holiday, we can draw inspiration from its principles to enhance our approach to elder care in Ireland.

By fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and appreciation for older adults, we can create a society where people of all ages feel valued and supported. As a home care company, we are committed to embracing these values in our work, ensuring that older people receive the respect and care they deserve every day.

Private HomeCare

Established 1989

“We care for others as we would like to be cared for.”