October 1st marks the United Nations International Day of Older Persons which raises awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations. This short video on ageism provides an interesting introduction as it challenges the stereotypes that permeate our culture.
Caring for and championing the older generation is something I want to do more of. Society celebrates the young and often sidelines those who are seen as weaker. We should respect our elders, love them, thank them, learn from them, help them, listen to them and do all we can to encourage them.
A personal thank you
Firstly, I want to express my thankfulness to the many older people who I have known and continue to walk alongside. When I was growing up, I was blessed to have two wonderful grandparents who loved me, taught me, listened to me, laughed with me and displayed what it meant to work hard. Growing up and into adulthood I have been blessed by the prayers, wisdom, gentleness, care and guidance from many older people.
Creating connection and championing conversation
There are many in the older generation who have skills that are gradually being lost like: cooking, crocheting, gardening, woodworking, knitting, sewing, letter writing, and more. It’s not that young people today do not know how to do these skills or have the capacity to learn. But this cannot replace the wonder of sitting alongside someone who has years of wisdom and experience, correcting you, leading you and championing you as you sit together side-by-side.
We lose something valuable, not just in skills, but in connection too. Let’s be intentional about speaking with and visiting the older people we know, and look for opportunities to reach out to others in our church and community.
Older people in the church and community
The contribution from older people in service to their church and community is a blessing. Whether it’s intercessory prayer, pastoral visiting, facilitating a group, providing meals, cleaning up, serving teas and coffees, faithfully reading God’s Word to others, hosting events, and many other countless ways older people love and serve others, we are enriched by their compassion and care.
Psalm 71:18 says, ‘Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.’ I know of many elderly Christians who faithfully witness to those around them, from one generation to the next. Whether it is a grandmother or grandfather passing on their faith to their children and grandchildren, or an inspiring older leader in the church who proclaims biblical truth to large and small groups, there can often be a resolve and a purpose of living out the rest of life to the glory of Christ and His church.
However, there are many older people who may feel sidelined, isolated, lonely and forgotten. Others may have put their faith and zeal for the Lord on the backburner to pursue the pleasures of retirement and greater comfort in their later years. Some may be ill, suffering, and bereaved, struggling physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. There may be fear, anger and resentment, or joy, peace and contentment. Older people are image bearers of God, who experience the highs and lows of life, and who need Jesus just like the rest of us. They have a wealth of experience and wisdom which we can glean from, and they can also be recipients of our love, insight and care.
‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’
Provers 27:17
A caring, Christian community
Will you join me in challenging ageism within our society? Will you keep your eyes open and your actions visible in supporting the older generation? It could look like visiting them at home, offering care and support, faithfully praying, serving in the pastoral ministry team, volunteering for a charity that supports older people, sharing the gospel, holding a Bible study together, having a conversation over the phone or at the end of a church service, taking an interest in their life and being available to listen and learn. There are so many ways to demonstrate the love of God in the life of the ageing and elderly that we come into contact with. Simply, love your neighbour as yourself.
Visit Faith in Later Life, Pilgrims’ Friend Society and Anna Chaplaincy for more helpful information and resources.
‘The glory of young men is their strength, grey hair the splendour of the old.’
Proverbs 20:29
Ruth Clemence – Writer and Blogger 
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