Aging and Spiritual Maturity
While we prepare as best as we can for our physical and financial needs as we age, we also need to achieve some understanding of the meaning of our lives, i.e., our spirituality
November 20, 2024
While we prepare as best as we can for our physical and financial needs as we age, we also need to achieve some understanding of the meaning of our lives, i.e., our spirituality
If we aspire to grow to be a wise elder, we will recognize that the wisdom of age does not simply happen by living many years and having many experiences. It involves acknowledging and accepting that life requires resilience, flexibility, patience, and sharing this knowledge with others.
What does it mean for our faith, church, and ministry to understand older adults as Keepers of the Meaning?
Our churches are graying. But aging and growing older shouldn’t be thought of as a negative life stage. Aging can be the path leading toward maturity, growth, and wisdom.
Ageism can shorten a lifespan by 7.5 years, according to a 2002 study by Becca Levy. Individuals with a more positive self-perception of aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions.
The role of the church, Sunday School class, or other older adult ministry group in relating to persons moving from their home to age in another place.
Sunny Day Club® provides respite for family caregivers and a regular outing for loved ones in the early stages of memory loss.
Older adults often say they want to stay in their own homes as long as they can. We describe such thinking as aging in place — defined as living in the home and community of your choice as you age. It is a place where one feels safe has the ability to control and enjoy life experiences.
An important role for the Church in its ministry by, with, and for older adults is helping older adults age in faith. In other words, effective congregational ministries intentionally invite, nurture, and equip older adults to age faithfully!
Advance care planning is important for adults at any age. During an emergency or at the end of life, you or your loved ones may not be capable of making decisions about medical care.
The ENCORE Ministry Foundation provided a grant to First United Methodist in Columbia, Tennessee, to help fund their feeding ministry, the People’s Table. Since 2004, the People’s Table ministry serves meals to neighbors in need every Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon, providing nourishment, love, and hope to the homeless, elderly, families, and individuals struggling to make ends meet. However, the need in the community is growing. With the closure of a local battery plant and reductions in SNAP benefits, more families are facing food insecurity.
Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, and showing love to those who need it most. Every dollar you give to the Kent and Ellen McNish Fund for Older Adult Food Security helps feeding ministries stretch resources and serve more meals to those in need. Donate today and help support life-changing feeding ministries like the People’s Table.