Spiritual support for older people How the last

Spiritual support for older people How the last days can be the best days …

The largest generation of older people in history 65. 4 million people in the UK 11. 6 million over age 65 1. 5 million aged 85 or over 14, 570 centenarians - 65% in last decade 800 aged 105 and over - double that of 2005

Old age, a blessing from God • ‘With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation. ’ Psalm 91: 16 • ‘… if you walk in my ways, I will prolong your life. ’ 1 Kings 13: 14 • ‘you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. ’ Genesis 15: 15

God designed old age on purpose • To radiate His graciousness and righteousness (Proverbs 4: 18) to share experiences; to tell out His works (Psalm 78, 71) • To teach and encourage the younger generation Titus, Timothy • To mentor, to listen, to strengthen society, as SENIORS • To be an ELDERHOOD. Exodus 12

‘Even the aged …’ Job 29: 8

Ageism affects our view To be old means to hurtle into an abyss of brokenness

Lights on the path of the righteous David Chapman Douglas Higgins

A partnership of pensioners and troubled pupils that turned a school around and transformed the district. It’s such a simple idea you wonder why it hasn’t been tried before. http: //www. dailymail. co. uk/news/article-3613572/Magical-friendships-troubledteenagers-link-OAPs-looking-void-lives-transformed. html

A time of inner reflection

The heart of the issue

Effective ministry to seniors • • • Relational Empathetic Honouring their experiences Reframing in the light of eternity Gently infusing with Scripture

What matters in the end

Old age is not a mistake in God’s life design. He planned it on purpose. This book looks at that purpose and how to step out of the mindsets that prevent us realising it.

Ministering to older non-Christians • Opportunities and constraints are unique to each context • Must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit • Luke 23: 42 was included for a reason

FINISHING WELL … • ‘Thank you, John Quincey Adams is very well in himself sir; but the house in which he lives is falling to pieces. Time and seasons have nearly destroyed it. The roof is well worn, the walls are shattered. It trembles with every gale. I think John Quincey Adams will soon have to move out. But he himself is very well, Sir. ’

www. pilgrimsfriend. org. uk info@pilgrimsfriend. org. uk Louise. morse@pilgrimsfriend. org. uk