Aging Gracefully

1. Aging Gracefully A Process of Change

2. “Life is a wonderful odyssey, an incredible journey.” David PettyAging Gracefully

3. Our Journey, Our Purpose Mature in Christ Grow in His Grace Press toward the goal of becoming perfect in HimPhil 3:13b-14

4. Life as odyssey suggests positive, profound experiences, though we all recognize that life in an imperfect world is fraught with difficulties, trials, and tests of our faith.

5. Aging: Change and Adjustment • How are you dealing with the fact of your aging? • There are four basic dimensions of change associated with aging: • The Physiological Dimension • The Psychological Dimension • The Sociological Dimension • The Spiritual Dimension

6. The Physiological Dimension • What physical changes are you experiencing with age? • What are some of the things you do to offset these changes? • To be successful in adapting to the aging process is to change what you can change for the better and not worrying about those things over which you have no control.

7. The Psychological Dimension • Memory – Our memory consists of three separate but related process. • Registration • Retention • Recall

8. The Psychological Dimension • Learning – “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” • Changes in learning ability due to aging appear to be small. • Older Adults are somewhat slower in learning new material. • Attitudes toward learning may change with age.

9. The Sociological Dimension • Human Relationships • Has your social relationships changed with age? • How do you picture your retirement affecting your social relationships? • After retirement people tend to terminate social associations and job related relationships • “People persons”, who thrive on being with people, will seek to replace those relationships.

10. The Sociological Dimension • Caring for a person more senior than we • Be careful not impose your relationship needs on them • Understand their previous lifestyle to determine needs • Watch for true depression

11. A significant component of aging takes place “between our ears”. Your attitude is critical as we grow older. What adjustments can you make to help develop and maintain a positive outlook on life?

12. Negativity and Old People • In colonial America, age was highly honored-much as it is today in other societies. • Now, respect and reverence = fear and contempt • A “wise old man” = “old geezer” • A “venerated old mother” = “old fuddy-duddy” • Why??????

13. Beliefs and Opinions or Myths • Senility inevitably accompanies old age. • Most old people are lonely and isolated from their families. • The majority of old people are in poor health. • Old people tend to become more religious as they age. • The majority of old people live in poverty.

14. Beliefs and Opinions or Myths • Older workers are less productive than younger ones. • Old people who retire usually suffer a decline in health and early death. • Most old people have no interest in, or capacity for, sexual relations. • Most old people end up in nursing homes and other long-term care institutions.

15. Stereotypes • Positive stereotype – “All old people are wise.” • Negative stereotype – “All old people are childlike.” • “You can’t teach an old dog a new tricks.” • Television programming tends to provide negative images of elderly people. • Limited or nonexistent contact or experience with older persons.

16. Prejudice & Discrimination • Attitudes toward older adults • “I believe that old people have passed their usefulness in the business world.” • “I do not like working with old people.” • “I will not consider this old person’s resume for our current job opening.” • Prejudice is an attitude or opinion formed before the facts are known. • Many well-intentioned people teach lies because they never sought the truth about what they were being told. • When we discover untruths, they must be rectified immediately.

17. Prejudice & Discrimination • It is our responsibility-individually and as a society-to gather correct information about the elderly and the aging process of change. • What do you think older people should do to address the overall negativity toward them as a group in our society? • What can your church or denomination do collectively?

18. Exercise and Nutrition • Our health is surely a chief factor in quality of life. • Develop a health conscious attitude. • Our good shape should be: • For God’s glory • For our own edification (learning), and • A model for others.

19. Exercise and Nutrition • Eating Habits • Eat only when you are hungry • When at home, eat at one place only • Don’t read or watch television while eating • Use a smaller plate • Don’t leave snack food throughout the house • Practice leaving a little food on your plate • Do not miss a meal to splurge

20. Exercise and Nutrition • Exercise • Cardiovascular • Muscle Strength • Flexibility • Are you taking care of your body? • Are you pleased with how you are treating God’s temple?

21. Independence to Dependence • Only 5% of the elderly reside in a nursing home. • Role Transitions and Role Reversal • Emotions • Unforeseen Change • Alarm or Panic • Denial • Uncertainty • Fear • No comfortable person for whom to turn

22. Independence to Dependence • The Caregiver • Awareness – That your parent may one day become dependent • Devise a plan – Include the dependent person if possible. • Sibling Unity – A family cannot take care of Mom or Dad when they are bickering. • Recognize both real and potential feelings. • Recognize role reversal

23. Independence to Dependence • Programs and Facilities • Home Health Care • Adult Day Care • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Intermediate Nursing Care • Skilled Nursing Care

24. Independence to Dependence • Your future…….Which of the following scenarios would best serve you and your family? • I will fight dependency as long as I can never consent to being institutionalized! • I will try to help my family make the best decision in my behalf, and I will try to adapt to the change as cheerfully as possible • I will be passive about becoming dependent. Let someone else decide for me what I should do. I may not like it, but what can I do?

25. He Who Dies With the Most Toys Wins • You will not be loading up your casket with stuff and taking it with you. • Matthew 6:19-21 • You must be a good steward of the things God has given you • Make provisions for your family

26. He Who Dies With the Most Toys Wins • Asset Inventory • Wills and Trusts • Power of Attorney • Gifting Now or Later? • What is your opinion of this statement, “I am spending my kid’s inheritance?”

27. To Retire or Not to Retire • There is life after retirement, and the quality of that life will depend on you. • Planning for Retirement • If you retire, What will you do? • 2,340 hours each year at a job, How now do you fill that time? • If you retire, How will you feel? Emotions

28. To Retire or Not to Retire • Planning for Retirement • If you retire, With what will you retire? Finances • If you retire, Where will you live? Mortgage Free? Downsize? • If you retire, With whom will you retire? • Spouse • Grandkids • Boomerang Kids

29. To Retire or Not to Retire • God will continue to want you to utilize your spiritual gifts. • How will you serve Him after retirement? • How will you serve His church after retirement? • Will you consult your spouse on how to serve?

30. The Spiritual Dimension • Spiritual Change is “to become.” • Myth: Old = God is finished working on me. • Changing from worldly, fleshy nature • Transforming your mind • Repenting of sin • Working toward Righteousness • Spend time in God’s written word

31. The Spiritual Dimension • Don’t let fear and faith take over. Matt. 6:25-34 • Develop contentment. 2 Corth. 11:16-33 • God’s calling = Our fruitfulness. Eph. 4:1, 2 Pet. 1:10, John 15:1-17 • Psalm 71

32. The Spiritual Dimension • It is entirely appropriate to retire from a position of service to the Lord, it is never appropriate to retire from doing God’s work altogether. • Instead of considering retiring from something, consider retiring to something.