MESSAGE TO OLDER PEOPLE
The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. – Frank Lloyd Wright
Aging is not a curse, but a privilege – Mary Buchan
How long you would like to live?
- I would like to pass at age 75....by a 40 yr old person.
- I want to live to be 83....by a 70 yr old lady. Reason her mom lived up to 83
- I hope to live to whatever age I can still be independent....by a lady in the 70s
Life expectancy in India is around 69–70 years.
Let us see what Bible says about our life expectancy
Psalm 90:10 : "The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away."
- Limited years
- Life span is filled with weakness, struggles and difficulties.
- It feels like the problems increases with age.
Getting older is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!” – Ingrid Bergman
Some difficulties faced by Old age people.
Health Issues - Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis are common.
Economic Insecurity - Many elderly individuals face financial hardship due to limited retirement savings, insufficient income, and reliance on family support.
Social Isolation and Loneliness - Social isolation and loneliness, leading to increased feelings of powerlessness and depression.
Psychological Distress - Depression, anxiety, and dementia are prevalent mental health issues.
Abuse and Neglect - Physical, emotional, and financial abuse are on the rise, often within family settings.
These problems control our lives - our thoughts, our decisions, our lifestyle, our behaviors.
In most cases, we cannot control the sources of these problems.
We have to learn to manage it and manage with those problems so that it will not affect our happiness.
We can only adjust and strive to live calmer, happier and more peaceful lives.
We can enrich our lives by
Staying Physically active: Regular physical activity like walking.
Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet supports overall health and can help manage age-related conditions.
Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being.
Stay mentally active: Engage in activities like reading or participating in hobbies to keep the mind sharp.
Practice gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of life. It can enhance happiness and overall well-being.
BELIEVE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AVAILABLE FOR YOU.
Isaiah 46:4 - Even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
This verse promises to sustain and carry individuals even into their later years.
This verse provides comfort and assurance,
It states that God will continue to be present and supportive even as people age.
You can still trust in God's strength and faithfulness, even as you experience physical limitations or decline in health.
He knows you and cares for you
He knows the struggles we pass through.
He knows our weaknesses, failures.
He cares for us
Like the Psalmist, we can always pray
Psalm 71:18 - And even to old age and gray hair, O God, do not forsake me.
BELIEVE IN YOUR USEFULNESS
Moses led Israel at 80
Abraham promised life started at 100 after the birth of Isaac.
Anna worshiped and prayed in the temple daily in her later years.
The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Old people are an asset to the society - their knowledge, experiences and wisdom
No need to feel bad about our present condition.
You are still valuable, and can still add value to others.
Be confident and believe that you can still do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
Proverbs 16:31 - Gray hair is a crown of glory.
This verse emphasizes the honor associated with old age.
Psalm 92:14 - They will still bear fruit in old age.
This verse portrays the continued fruitfulness of older people.
We can enrich others through our wisdom, and experiences
ENJOY YOUR LIFE
Older adults enjoy several advantages like freedom and leisure, expertise and experiences
Can make use of those blessings for a happier living. Happiness is in our mind.
Have more time to pursue hobbies and engage in leisure activities.
Reflect on their life journey - Can write down your memories, Share your experiences, help others
Acknowledge God's blessings - Count the blessings and pray for the underprivileged
LOOK FORWARD WITH HOPE
We have the hope of life after death that comes from faith in Christ and the promise of eternal life.
We have to trust in God for our present and the future and to
We have to continue living with faith and hope, even as they age.
