Changes in the Life of a Senior

CHANGES IN THE LIFE OF A SENIOR

Seniors experience many changes in life. And, one of the best ways to show that the Christian faith and the church community provide a relevant response to issues older adults face is to plan a senior ministry around some of those transition events. Some of these life changes are obvious, like the death of a spouse, moving to a retirement home, or major physical problems. Others are not, like change in recreation, or the change in eating habits. And, knowing these examples of senior stresses is an effective way for the church to provide tangible expressions of Christ’s healing love. You see, when people’s traditional points of reference change, during times of transition, they seem more inclined to make other changes in their lives as well; such as moving from an un-churched lifestyle to Christian faith. And remember, our primary goal is to reach the lost. It is important to realize that older adults have an increased desire for meaningful relationships with others. For those seniors who are able to provided comfortably for themselves, their next most important need is people. Meaningful relationships are therapeutic and may contribute to longevity. One research physician from Johns Hopkins University calls loneliness the number one killer. He says, “Some other illness goes on the death certificate, but the prime cause was loneliness.” Also, senior adults want and need to make a meaningful contribution to society. Social and psychological experts today agree with the timeless prescription for sound health and long life: “Those who get the most are those who give the most.” Or, as Christ said, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Mt 16:25) Nowhere in the Bible does it say that Christians retire from discipleship and service at age 65. Well, what about it? To date, most local churches have not awakened to the opportunities and ministry potential in the present and future senior surge. There is little doubt that the Body of Christ has in its very mission and Biblical imperative possibilities for this ministry, and most churches would acknowledge that there is no wholeness or wellness for a senior adult without the spiritual dimension. And, according to many research studies the values from which older people derive the most meaning in life are (1) Family (2) Spiritual needs, followed by (3) Good health, (4) Helping others, and (5) Self-reliance. Here it is very important for us to notice that national studies also show that more than 60% of nursing home residents have been removed from their family, and they never receive a visitor; that’s right more than 60% never receive a visitor. Studies also show that over 90% of these seniors generally are not provided with the means to meet their spiritual needs. In other words, a large majority of seniors are deprived of the top two values from which older people derive the most meaning in life.