Japan has a public holiday that literally translates to “Respect for the Aged Day.” It’s an annual holiday that falls on the third Monday of September ... which means it’s coming up next week!

How does this affect our students? Below you’ll find some questions you may want to ask as well as relevant words, phrases (bolded), and Daily News articles you can introduce should you choose to discuss this topic.

Note: While this holiday is specific to Japan, the topic isn’t! Many of our students live in countries that are aging societies, so most of the questions below will be applicable to students outside Japan as well.

Seniors Day

Internationally, holidays like “Respect for the Aged Day” are usually known as “Seniors Day.” For example, Canada has a National Seniors Day. We recommend using this term with students.

As you might guess, Seniors Day is a holiday that honors the elderly. It’s a day to show appreciation for the older adults in your life. In Japan, some children call their grandparents or write them cards.

How do people in your country celebrate Seniors Day? How do they show appreciation for the elderly?
Do you do anything on Seniors Day? Does your family do anything on this day?
At what age are you considered “elderly” in your country?

For a Daily News article on this topic (and more relevant questions), check out “Japan Marks Respect For the Aged Day.”

Taiwan celebrates older people on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month (meaning October in the Gregorian calendar). Many cities thank their elders by giving them cash or hosting events in their honor.

Is there a Seniors Day in your country or any events that celebrate the elderly?
Do local governments give the elderly any presents? (In Japan, people above 100 used to be given a silver cup!)
Do senior citizens get any discounts or free admission to certain places on that day?
What events are held for senior citizens on that day?

And let’s not forget that many countries respect their elderly everyday. For example, it’s common practice in many countries to yield seats to the elderly on public transportation.

In your country, is it common to yield seats to elderly people when taking public transportation? Are there any special elderly-only seats on public transportation?
Are the elderly given any discounted tickets to public facilities in your country?
In what other ways could we help the elderly and make their lives easier?
Do you think your society respects the elderly? Why? Why not? (Related: “Older Americans Say They Face Age Discrimination”)

Aging Societies

Related to Seniors Day is the topic of aging societies, meaning societies where the number of elderly people is increasing.

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand – all home to many of our students – are considered aging societies (or even "aged societies"). As a result of low birth rates and longer life expectancy (among other factors), large proportions of their populations are aged.

For example, over one in four people in Japan are 65 or older. South Korea and Taiwan also have aging populations, while Thailand is also aging rapidly.

What factors do you think led to your country’s aging population?
Do you think an aging population is a good thing or a bad thing? Why?

A big concern for countries with aging populations is elderly care. Namely, who will take care of older adults if they can’t take care of themselves?

In your society, is it common for the elderly to live on their own, with family, or in nursing homes?
When you’re old, would you like to live with your family, on your own, or in a nursing home?
A Chinese proverb says that, “An old person is like a treasure to the family.” What do you think of this statement?

For more ideas, check out the following questions and Daily News articles you can use when discussing this topic.

When do you think you’ll retire? What do you want to do when you retire? (Related: “How Old Is Too Old to Work?”)
When you’re old, would you prefer to live with other elderly people or with young people?
What kind of person do you think you’ll be when you’re old?
A study found that people become less optimistic when they enter old age. Why do you think that is? Do you think you’ll become less optimistic too?
Do you think researchers will find a way to slow down the aging process? (Related: “Researchers Use Brain Cells to Control Aging in Mice”)
It’s been shown that exercise can slow down the process of aging. Knowing this, will you exercise more? (Related: “A Lifetime of Exercise Slows Aging Process”)
Learning another language can help protect your brain from aging. Why do you think that is? (Related: “Speaking Two Languages May Help the Aging Brain“)
What do you think is the best part of aging? What do you think is the worst part?

Phrases for Talking About “the Aged”

In case your students ask, the polite terms for referring to older adults differ depending on the country. Terms like “older adults” or “older people” are becoming more commonly used as they are seen as neutral.

Other terms commonly used these days around the English-speaking world include: “elderly” (as an adjective), “the elderly,” and “senior citizens.”
However, not everyone finds these terms acceptable, due to possible negative connotations. So it’s best to ask someone what they’d like to be called beforehand!