[tbeseda]

Is there data for well elders were respected now and 50 years ago?

I think this is a common cultural misconception. Much like "Americans are getting dumber," is socially manufactured.

[philwelch]

For one thing, nursing homes used to be unthinkable. You wouldn't kick elders out of the family home.

[nasmorn]

You could also expect them to die in a reasonable timeframe. Caring for someone for 6 months is a totally different thing from doing so for 6 years. It is a gift and a curse.