In some cultures, like mine, it is tradition that children take care of parents when they are old - sometimes that is not possible because a lot of the new gen are abroad either studying or working - so what to do?

I do know of some parents who sacrificed everything for their kids and in the end the kids ignore them in their old age - as you said always a balance is necessary - one has one's life to live - it would foolhardy expecting kids to take care of elderly parents - it is their choice if they want to do so