Thanks @fr3eze - that was an interesting post and I definitely appreciate you sharing your perspective here! I might have a little bit dimmer outlook on the western way here, I think the dissolution of the extended nuclear family is a huge problem in our modern society and one that we won't fully understand all the repercussions of for a long time. A huge percentage of our elders are effectively removed from everyday life and awareness for the younger generations, cloistered in facilities. I honestly wish there was more of the cultural safety net intact.

Cheers - Carl