Aging Gracefully
A man was telling his neighbor, “I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me six thousand dollars, but it’s state of the art. It’s perfect.” “Really,” answered the neighbor. “What kind is it?” “Twelve thirty.”
We’re all heading there, getting older until we reach the senior stage of life. Barb’s father in Tucson turns 93 next month. We plan to go there for a week to help celebrate his birthday.
There are many positives about getting older. After retirement we have more free time, and hopefully we have more wisdom. We develop more patience and can handle glitches and difficult people more graciously. Many experience a deeper faith and walk with God. A bigger picture of life develops, helping to keep life’s events in perspective. We think more about the life hereafter.
On the other hand, there are some challenges to getting older. We’re not able to play sports as we once did. Our mental faculties slow down. We’re not respected or needed as much. Our motivation and pep starting ebbing away. We depend more on others – especially family – to help us with daily life.
As we look at the Bible, two things stand out for me. One is that getting older is an honor and a privilege. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old” (Proverbs 20:29). In an era when life expectancy was quite low, getting old enough to have gray hair was quite an accomplishment. It was considered a blessing from God.
Something else I glean from Scripture, a purpose for elderly people is to be a blessing to the following generations. Particularly, older people have the privilege to share their faith. “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18). See also Psalm 78:1-8 and 2 Timothy 1:5.
One of my goals is to share more memories with my children and grandchildren in an interesting way – perhaps in writing, maybe in a video using a Q&A format or occasionally through story telling when we are together. My mom kindly wrote down many of her memories in a document, listing many questions that could be answered. She also had a video recorded answering many of the questions. We learned a lot!
Based on Psalm 71, I am also resolved to share more than my memories. It is my duty to point them to God and what He has done in my life. All that I experienced, all that I did, all that I am – it’s all a gift from God. It is essential that I join the elders and relate the gospel and the blessedness we have in belonging to Jesus Christ. As younger generations look at us, I want them to see us pointing to God and finding our hope for eternal life in Christ.
Here are few ideas I have on steps to aging well:
- Self -care is important: physical exercise, stretching, eating healthy, getting regular checkups at the doctor. Enough said, before I start sounding like your mother.
- Develop a closer walk with God: read what God says in Isaiah 46:4 – “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am [the Lord], I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Take time to soak that in and delight in it.
- Seek ways to bless others: help families with younger children, provide meals to people going through a hard time, volunteer at places that help others, help out at church functions.
- Record memories to bless future generations: capture your life stories, collaborate with siblings and other family members to build on each other’s memories, remember to point to God and give him the credit.
- Prepare for the final days of your life: update your will, review your wishes with heirs, make provisions for passing.
I appreciate any thoughts you have on aging gracefully. May God give us all joy as we enter and live in the final stage of our lives.
John Gorter
Interim Pastor
