Senior Life in Cambodia

History

Cambodia’s history is rich with wonderful temples and great ancient civilizations. But what many may not be familiar with is the Khmer Rouge Genocide. The Khmer Rouge was a brutal regime that ruled Cambodia, under the leadership of Marxist dictator Pol Pot, from 1975 to 1979. Pol Pot’s attempts to create a Cambodian “master race” through social engineering ultimately led to the deaths of more than 2 million people in the Southeast Asian country.

Living as a senior in cambodia

Modern-day Cambodia is rapidly growing in all sectors of industry. This growth is bringing new jobs and opportunity to the young generation. Those that survived the Khmer Rouge majority were farmers with no education or skills. This generation has faced more challenges than most in that country. Modernization has been difficult for many to adapt to.

Culture

In Cambodia, the family is the central support system for the people. There is no Medicare or Medicaid. They rely on each other and help one another. Majority of the family lives together in the same home or build multiple add-ons to homes for all the family members. Seniors are typically left to sit at home and are watched over as much as possible by the families.