[holograham]

Why is this trait desirable vs. teaching self reliance?

Philosophically I personally dont see why the obligation should be on the children to support the parents. The parents choose to have children not the other way around.

I love my parents but do not feel any requirement by them to care for them. They have saved for retirement just as I am. If people choose to not save then their poverty in their older years is a problem they brought upon themselves.