What are the spiritual needs of the elderly?

[Barbara Moulton]

Other than the spiritual needs that we all share, do you think there are types of spiritual needs and/or distress that are more common in our old age?

Just doing a bit of research for a project at work.

Blessings,
Barbara

[Marsha Gupton]

I'm not sure I have an answer just an experience. When my grandmother was critically ill with alzheimers in a hospital bed in our living room, I would read the Bible to her. Once when I was reading to her she said to me, "thanks, I needed that" I would also sing her favorite hymns to her.

[Barb Bouldrey]

I think they need connections with thier past. Hearing their favorite old songs, seeing old pictures, being asked about something in their lives all seem to bring them joy.

Marsha is correct....just hearing scriptures read to them reaches through pain, clouded minds and emotional problems.

Barb

[Jim Franklin]

To feel a sense of belonging and being a worthwhile member of the community of believers. Of course all of us oldsters pray. I will be asking my pastor for the names of absentees to call or send a card saying they were missed. In my 50s I looked forward to taking the course of study to become a Deacon when I retired but when I asked what I could do to get started was told I was too old. That really hurt.

I think it would be great if there were times set aside during regular services of the entire congregation for the veteran Christians to testify to their experinces and tell of circumstance of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Call on them to pray in services. They may last a little longer but we would hope that the younger generations would "catch the vision."

[Gina Stevenson]

... Sharon Monck, that is. Hey, Jim! Do you think Sharon might have a few minutes' time, between her job, and the commission to which Arnold appointed her to take time in something right "up her alley" here? ;)

Other than the spiritual needs that we all share, do you think there are types of spiritual needs and/or distress that are more common in our old age?

Just doing a bit of research for a project at work.

Blessings,
Barbara

[Barbara Moulton]

To feel a sense of belonging and being a worthwhile member of the community of believers. Of course all of us oldsters pray. I will be asking my pastor for the names of absentees to call or send a card saying they were missed. In my 50s I looked forward to taking the course of study to become a Deacon when I retired but when I asked what I could do to get started was told I was too old. That really hurt.

I think it would be great if there were times set aside during regular services of the entire congregation for the veteran Christians to testify to their experinces and tell of circumstance of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Call on them to pray in services. They may last a little longer but we would hope that the younger generations would "catch the vision."


I think you've captured the spirit of my question Jim. Relationships are a huge part of our spirituality. As we age, it seems it's not enough to know that others are "giving" to us in relationship but that we still have something to offer in a relationship.

I have a couple of seniors I visit, and I am truly blessed when I spend time with them. I make a point of telling them what they bring to my life.

[David Cash]

A few years ago, I helped in a choir that was part of a nursing home church service. We went around shaking hands with the residents afterward. It was fairly common to have people thank us for coming, etc.

One man could no longer speak too clearly. Coupled with my slight hearing loss, I finally punted and responded like I would to "Thank you for coming." I could hear the frustration in his voice as he finally managed to get the words through to me: "I love the Lord."

This probably doesn't help your research but it is a vivid memory for me.

I'm not sure if this is spiritual or more emotional, but I suspect a lot of older people need encouragement and fellowship. As they begin to be less mobile and therefore less involved in social activities, they will become more isolated unless those of us with busy young and middle aged lives take the time to see that they have more contact with friendly faces.

David Cash

[Jim Franklin]

Barbara, another factor is that we oldsters can we make a valid contribution to the worship service and the mission of the body of Christ. Are we really accepted or tolerated until we are wheeled out to enter the nearest nursing home. I did call my pastor and he was quite accepting of my proposal to be one of the contact people for absentees and also to start again the Prayer and Fasting group that I had started before I went to serve on the staff of the Indian school.

[Michael B. Ross]

Good question, Barbara.

I concur with all that has already been posted. I especially agree with Barb B. A connection with the past seems important to many of the elderly I know. That connection seems to be more than mere memories. It seems to serve as a form of self-redemption--giving meaning and value to one's life.

I want to add another idea, closely related to my comments above. I think the elderly have a heightened need for dignity. Our culture's values create an atmosphere in which the elderly can easily lose dignity. Further, many of the effects of aging are degrading.

I believe those who serve the elderly should remember they are created in God's image and should be treated with respect.

Other than the spiritual needs that we all share, do you think there are types of spiritual needs and/or distress that are more common in our old age?

Just doing a bit of research for a project at work.

Blessings,
Barbara

[David Cash]

Going off on a tangent here, but it does relate.

A couple of you have mentioned the need for the elderly to have a connection with the past. I think that all of us have this need, not just for the past we have known but with our "roots" so to speak. An important function of the elderly among us is to serve as a link with that past. As we listen to them, it helps us see beyond the blinding glare of today's situation and today's ideas to things that are lasting.

David Cash

[Paul Whitaker]

To feel a sense of belonging and being a worthwhile member of the community of believers. Of course all of us oldsters pray. I will be asking my pastor for the names of absentees to call or send a card saying they were missed. In my 50s I looked forward to taking the course of study to become a Deacon when I retired but when I asked what I could do to get started was told I was too old. That really hurt.

I think it would be great if there were times set aside during regular services of the entire congregation for the veteran Christians to testify to their experinces and tell of circumstance of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Call on them to pray in services. They may last a little longer but we would hope that the younger generations would "catch the vision."

During my high school and college days I was attending Bethany First CofN. Dr Phillips was pastor. For Wednesday night we would have a service with singing, specials, etc. and a short message by Dr Phillips. Then he would open up the floor for testimonies. It was my honor for some time to carry a microphone to those waiting to testify. Names you might know: Brannon, EG Theus, BF Neely, Rushing, Mrs Guy (this should bring a smile to those who knew her), Willey, Macrory, J Walter Hall, Uncle Charlie McConnell, AI Rice, Keeton, Peck, Bryan, McClain, Neal (Keener and Lister) ... and many more. Those people through their testimonies gave direction and encouragement to the younger generation.

Is it important that our younger people hear testimonies?