This clip looks at the 'pivot generation' of those caring for both their children and their parents as they age. These concepts are illustrated through two case studies: Theresa is in a nuclear family setting and caring for her elderly mother, who has dementia; whereas the Bamrah family live in a multigenerational family. Both case studies illustrate the respect and gratitude that the families have for their older members. Theresa remembers the great sacrifices her mother made for her, and the Bamrah family talk about culture and tradition as important factors in their interdependence as an extended family. 

This resource draws on multiple sources of authority within Judaism such as the Torah, Talmud, Midrash and important folk stories to explore what the teachings are within the faith for respect and treatment of older people. Each extract is presented in Hebrew and English, the context explained and the implications examined through thought-provoking questions. Real-life examples are shown, for example, the quotation from the Torah ‘Rise up before the elderly’ (i.e., 'Give up your seat to a senior citizen') being used on bus signs throughout Israel. The site would be a great resource in the religion and worldviews classroom as a case study for what texts are important to Jewish people, and how texts inform their treatment of older people. 

Students of religion and worldviews may already be familiar with the Ten Commandments followed within Abrahamic faiths. In his first General Audience after the Covid-19 pandemic, Pope Francis expands on the fifth commandment to 'Honour thy father and thy mother'. He draws on this commandment and on stories of the treatment of older people in the Bible to show the basis of love towards not just our own mother and father, but towards all older people in society. The speech focuses on what younger generations can do today to care for older people and how this in turn helps them to grow spiritually. This article and video clip will allow students to explore how Catholicism views caring for older people, and also allow for discussions around religious authority within Christianity and the role of the Pope. 

Jo Maeder was a popular radio DJ in New York, but when her estranged mother was in need of one-to-one care, Jo put aside her frustrations with her and her worries about how different life would be in the southern states and spent what she later calls 'the best years of her life' caring for her. This humorous and insightful memoir shows the challenges and unexpected joys the author found in moving to an area so politically and religiously different to her chosen home, and how the community that she is welcomed into demonstrates how religious worldviews can support older people.