Oct. 7, 2007
This week begins the last quarter of the year. I noticed this week that, if I live to be the average of men in America , 77 years, this year begins the last quarter of my life. I’m 58, ¾ of the way to age 77. Am I ready to be a Senior Citizen? Am I ready for the last quarter of my life?
September Song
At my stage of life, as well as this season of the year, the days grow short. I am much more aware that if I don’t do it now, it won’t get done. My plans are more urgent. I am less patient. I don’t have any more time to wait. One thing I’ve got to do is get ready for old age.
Old Man
But preparing for old age is not just for my stage
Examples of preparing for old age at each stage of life.
Child love from a grandparent
Teenage youth group visits those who can’t get out
They not only bring the outside world in to the Sr Citizen, but also learn from them that life in old age can be good too.
Middle Age – sacrifice for young children and job takes our time. We get around to appreciating what our parents did for us.
Middle age – older children paying for college or providing a nest for 20 something children while taking care of parents
Empty nest caring for grandchildren to help children make a living and providing for parents at the same time.
Retirement making memories by enjoying hobbies and people we didn’t have time for when we were working. Expecting to be free of family responsibilities for travel or hobbies but finding out the funds aren’t going to last long enough so part time work is necessary.
Sr. Citizen years are 3 stages: First is the period where we go where and when we want, second is the time when its all we can do to get to the Dr., the grocery store, and church when we feel up to it. Third is the time when we need help with the daily tasks of life and can’t get out from home or assisted living. I call the 3 stages mobile, immobile, and needy. Roger’s terms are go-go, slow-go, and no-go.
Fear of disabililties
Fear of being forgotton
Finding new interests to replace old ones.
The tyranny of stuff. The need to downsize. Sometime to go through stuff with and to listen to the stories attached.
Affirm their value. When they say “I’m no good for anything. I don’t know why the Lord doesn’t take me.” The proper response is “you’re good for me. I’m glad you are here. Honor them as the keeper of the memories.
Spiritual Needs:
difference between healthy and unhealthy spirit:
Unhealthy:
Blame others for not speaking up when it is their hearing that is changing.
Use familiarity of past church worship style as a hedge against a changing world.
Respond to disability by giving up and sitting.
Deny normal aging
Deny inability to climb, drive, do household chores
Feel worthless because you can’t produce.
Expect others to make life like it used to be. Community, church , shopping
There are older folks who are angry and bitter about it. The ones who are bitter now are the ones who didn’t do what they wanted when they had a chance. They feel life passed them by.
Not us
Healthy:
Respond to disability by focusing on ability. (find something else to do)
Make younger friends
Accept inabilities and gather names of people who can do it instead. Learn how to say goodbye to abilities
Feel worthy because you produced when you could, and you can still show love
Accept normal aging
Enjoy life as it is.
Learn from death. Death is the teacher that makes us aare of how much we love.
Roger’s article in newsletter about ministry with and for Seniors
Changing times
We are all living longer. We are likely going to be old longer than we thought. Get ready
Proverbs 16:31 says “A grey head is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
Job 12;12 Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”