Cultural Norms

Participants linked workplace silence to both institutional risk and internalised cultural expectations. Norms of deference, respect for seniors, humility, restraint, and conflict avoidance made speaking up harder. Adaptation to dominant workplace norms was framed as survival rather than simple empowerment for many participants. Cultural expectations could discourage exercise, public activity, and social participation among older adults. Some older adults considered exercise inappropriate or embarrassing at their age. Caste appeared as a barrier to social relationships and community activities in one participant's account.