For many retirees, retirement has become anxiety-inducing — and not just because they’re afraid they’ll run out of money once they stop working. Retirement is a life-changing transition.

Each May, The United Methodist Church celebrates Older Adult Recognition Day to recognize older adults for their contributions to the church and community. This year’s theme, suggested by the Administration on Community Living, is Flip the Script on Aging.

From Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler: helpful resource for church leaders — Tips for Improving Communication by Church Leaders with Older Adults. 

As we age, we often find ourselves spending more time alone. Older adults are also at a higher risk for loneliness and social isolation as a result of health changes that can come with growing older — hearing, vision, and memory loss, disability, and  trouble getting around.

Observed on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day provides an opportunity for church leaders and congregations to promote dialogue and action on the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

We live in a death-denying culture and most of us would prefer not to think about death and dying. We shove it out of our minds, speak about it only in muffled tones, and keep it at a great distance. But not to think of death is not very smart because we all have a date with it.

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.