In T&T we love Granny. I think. But I’ve been noticing that things might be changing. Growing up we all lived together; 3 generations, Just like the The Mediterranean and Latin culture: One big, happy family. Mediterranean and Latin cultures place similar priority on the family. In both cultures, it’s commonplace for multiple generations to live under one roof, (à la My Big Fat Greek Wedding) sharing a home and all the duties that come with maintaining one. In the contemporary iteration of this living arrangement, the oldest generation often is relied on to assist with caring for the youngest, while the breadwinners labor outside the home. As such, the aged remain thoroughly integrated well into their last days.
T&T seems to be going the way of US and UK. Western cultures tend to be youth-centric, emphasizing attributes like individualism and independence. Anthropologist Jared Diamond, who has studied the treatment of the elderly across cultures, has said the geriatric in countries like the U.K. and U.S. live “lonely lives separated from their children and lifelong friends.” As their health deteriorates, the elderly in these cultures often move to retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
We are shipping out our elderly in T&T, paying for someone else to handle “the problem”. Sometimes Granny is put out of her own house. Imagine Granny, who gave us so much, is now a problem.
