Comments on: Loving Our Aging Friends Well

By: Lucinda J

Lucinda J — Tue, 04 May 2021 21:06:49 +0000

In reply to Trent. Trent, thank you so much for this heartfelt reply. I love to see people who truly care about and value the elderly and are working to make a difference in their lives. God bless you for what you do!

By: Trent

Trent — Mon, 03 May 2021 19:05:57 +0000

Hi Lucinda,

This blog is spot on and a needed topic. It brought tears to my eyes. I would love to see more teaching on serving our elders and caring for them. Teaching on the dignity and intrinsic worth of the elderly. The value of the elderly in a church community! We just cannot talk enough about these issues. I, of course, am biased as a clinician that has worked with the elderly. They are one of the most rewarding and fascinating generations that i have ever met. They have given me much wisdom as well. So, thanks again for battling ageism and standing up for those that are struggling through transitions in life. I believe it is our role to provide purpose and meaning for our elders.

By: Jenni

Jenni — Sun, 02 May 2021 15:22:59 +0000

I love this!!

By: marlandphotos

marlandphotos — Sun, 02 May 2021 09:24:42 +0000

In reply to Lucinda. You're welcome!

By: Lucinda

Lucinda — Sat, 01 May 2021 13:12:57 +0000

In reply to Kendra. Kendra thanks for the thoughts and insights. Good thoughts!

By: Lucinda

Lucinda — Sat, 01 May 2021 13:09:15 +0000

In reply to marlandphotos. Thank you for commenting.

By: Lucinda J

Lucinda J — Sat, 01 May 2021 13:08:43 +0000

In reply to Grace. I know... there is something so inspiring about an older person who has a positive, sweet outlook. I'd like to be like that, but I am sure it's not easy.

By: Kendra

Kendra — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:10:19 +0000

Once I asked my grandmother if faith and the Christian life gets easier as you get older. I was surprised (and disappointed!) when she said no. It caused me to really consider the losses, loneliness, doubts, discouragement, etc. of aging and challenged me to pray and care well for the elderly around me. I think I had this idea that they’re “saints” and their faith struggles are over, but as I’ve watched my grandparents I see that the enemy is still waging war, particularly through discouragement and fear. I appreciate both of your contributors’ insights and ideas. To those, I would add encourage aging saints in the Lord! Send letters and include meaningful verses; read portions of Scripture (especially for those who can’t read themselves anymore) when you visit; sing (and have your children sing!) their favorite hymns for them; intercede for and with them; if they can’t go to church, take church to them as is appropriate.
For what its worth, I recently read Being Mortal (Atul Gawande) recommended above as well as That Good Night by Sunita Puri and found both very thought-provoking. I wish Christians were writing these books (if they are, I’d love to know some titles). Palliative care, hospice, etc. are beautiful fields for Christians to serve in; areas where we can offer a particular Hope that others cannot.
I’m enjoying these posts!

By: marlandphotos

marlandphotos — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:41:24 +0000

Great post! Great thoughts and helpful hints.

By: Grace

Grace — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 01:01:34 +0000

I really enjoyed this. Good content! It is humbling to think, if I live long enough and the earth still stands I will be in these shoes one day. It doesn't look to be easy but I'm so inspired by the older folks who have a good attitude and keep going! Just today I saw several older couples shopping at a green house and I thought of the words "older love is sweeter" in a song.