Background
The manner in which a group cares for its elderly, both personally and institutionally, varies from group to group. In the cases of many immigrant groups, different generations take different approaches to family ties—some straying away from tradition and others holding tightly to what they were taught by their elders. The case of Greek Americans is interesting, however, in that from one generation to the next, studies have shown attitudes toward elder care and family ties to be strikingly similar.
One of the most obvious reasons for this is how strong those family ties tend to be. As addressed in the essay “The Interplay of Aging and Ethnicity: Filial Responsibility and Greek Americans,” by Chrysie M. Costantakos, traditional Greek culture uses family as a central “lifelong system of emotional support” (Costantakos 210)81 , but more than that, as a vehicle through which the individual does all other things. The family is the first and foremost thing in a young person’s life, which then brings forth church, education, and community. These ties tend to remain, leaving Greek Americans of all generations feeling a strong sense of respect and obligation for their elders. It becomes an honor to care for those who had provided for you (Piercy)82.
What the Greeks Can Teach us. Photo courtesy of Huffington Post.
The respect for elders urges Greek Americans to want to help them live well independently, for as long as the elder is able. Costantakos’ studies showed that although the majority of Greek Americans, across all generations, believed that it was their duty and honor to help care for their elders, that they were reluctant to put those elders in any kind of home or institution. The third generation Greek Americans were more open to the idea, possibly because of American influence, but overall they wanted independence for their elders. Formal forms of assistance were traditionally stigmatized. It seems that more traditional Greeks see it as closer to a form of abandonment than care, causing reluctance for younger Greek Americans to do so for fear of misunderstanding. Even in the early 2000’s the stigma was clear—there were only 58 senior residences in the U.S. for elderly Greek Americans, only one of which was an actual nursing home. The rest were comprised of apartments. In recent years, however, views on formal institutions for the care of Greek American elders have been transforming, much to the credit of retirement clubs.
GreekAmerican Retirement Club
Providing freedom in elderly care, the GreekAmerican Retirement Club in Astoria, Queens, serves as more of a social club and kafenio than a retirement home. It is a place where the elderly, predominantly men, gather and socialize. The interior has a cool, calm atmosphere. Unlike some retirement homes, the GreekAmerican Retirement Club maintains the dignity and independence of its members. The employees don’t look to dote on or do everything for the members—they provide a place for them to relax and have a good time with their peers in an environment that harkens back to traditional Greek social life.
GreekAmerican Retirement Club, Astoria, NY 2009. Photo courtesy of Beatrix Reinhardt.
Elpida Traditional Cafe, Agia Galini, circa 2010
It’s the perfect combination for Greek American families. The caretakers of elderly family members get to provide excellent formal care while maintaining close contact and without removing any sense of self from those family members. There’s no sense of abandonment or loss of dignity because the institution is a social club rather than a permanent home. With more social clubs like the GreekAmerican Retirement Club being formed, it’s possible that Greek Americans will find themselves more comfortable with formal institutionalized care for the elderly.
-Alix Smith
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