Senior Adult Ministries | Periodic Mid Life/Long Life

The Periodic Midlife/Longlife Update E-newsletter - July 2005

The Periodic Midlife/Longlife Update E-newsletter is devoted to sharing information and enhancing excellence in ongoing faith and holistic formation for maturing adults from midlife through end of life.

Bill Prather,
Founder and Director

Partners in Pastoral Care
Seeks to provide members with an ongoing flow of practical information that leader/models can use directly with adults of all ages, and by offering training through its educational arm . All opinions expressed herein are those of the author. Permission is granted to reproduce this issue in whole or in part as long as its source is identified.

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In This Issue:

Grandchildren and Grandparents’ Summer Ideas
Older Saints Need Healthier Diets and More Exercise
More About Sunlight
The Testimony Initiative
An Excellent Senior Ministry Program—Disaster Preparedness

1. In most states, the grandchildren begin their summer recess soon. In many cases, we grandparents or those in your ministry, will have the blessing and enjoyment of having that once- or twice-a-year visitation. Other grandparents will care for them throughout the summer.

I know from experience that the list of things to “do together” with them runs out quickly. This is why I have begun a “Daily Summer Reading” initiative with my granddaughter, a soon-to-be first grader.

At every opportunity when we are together, she retells a story she has read, at breakfast or before bedtime. At other times I will read a few pages and then she will read as we sit together in quiet time. On other occasions, we will read the same book separately, and then come together at a certain time, discussing our likes, dislikes and thoughts in general about a plot or the characters in the book.

This is teaching me about the powerful influence I have with her at this time in our relationship and what I need to work on for our relationship to progress in maturity and authenticity. I plan to use this as a launching pad for future days when communication will surely tend to become strained. This time also shows me her created uniqueness, her interests, and ideas.

My granddaughter and I go to the library, and rummage together through the used children’s books at the Goodwill Store, Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul or yard sales. We also look on the Partners In Pastoral Care Bookstore website where all the books are discounted. This, in and of itself, gives us some good quality time together. For the present, I pick most of the books. This helps set a good moral basic tone to our relationship. I share with her my reasons for choosing a particular book. Later, responding to her needs, likes, and interests, I will let her pick most of the books. For each book she reads this summer, I will be giving her a monetary amount that will go into a special bank. At the end of the summer, she and I will go shopping together to spend it as she pleases.

You may appreciate a little kick-start on doing something similar with your grandchild or grandchildren so here are a few suggested books.

Ages 4 and up - In CIRCLES OF HOPE, author Karen Lynn Williams introduces readers to the realities of rural life in the mountains of Haiti—imbued with brilliant colors, expressive characters, and vivid landscapes.

Young Facile wants to plant a tree in honor of his new baby sister, but he faces many obstacles. The first seed he plants is eaten by a goat, the second seed is washed away in a storm, and another seed is burnt by a scrub fire. Will Facile ever be able to plant a tree that will grow strong for baby Lucía?

Ages 5 and up – ADAM AND EVE AND THE GARDEN OF EDEN is powerful because it is the story of our first parents’ growing up and going out into the world. It reminds readers of all ages of the need to live in harmony with the earth.

At the very beginning of the world the earth was a dry and dusty place, where nothing could live and nothing could grow. So God made a mist that watered the ground all over. Then with His great hands, He formed the first man out of the clay of the newly watered earth.

Ages 6 and up - Jen Bryant’s story of Georgia O’Keeffe, GEORGIA'S BONES, celebrates the famous artist’s fascination with natural shapes, “common objects,” and her unusual way of looking at the world. Bethanne Andersen’s fluid, graceful illustrations capture the beauty of O’Keeffe’s work and spirit.

Growing up on a Wisconsin farm, Georgia began gathering all sorts of objects— sticks and stones, flowers and bones. Although she was teased for her interest in unique shapes and sizes, young Georgia declared: “Someday, I’m going to be an artist.” And that’s what she did.

Ages 10 and up - AT JERUSALEM'S GATE offers readers of all ages insight into the most important moments in Christian history. A man in the crowd at Jerusalem vies to see Jesus; a disciple recounts details of the Last Supper; Pilate’s wife fears her husband’s decision. Beginning with Christ’s triumphant arrival in Jerusalem, Nikki Grimes explores the first Easter through the voices of those who witnessed it. The author’s introductions provide a thoughtful framework, and each poem is illuminated by the beautifully intricate and expressive woodcuts of David Frampton.

A ll ages - Enchanting illustrations, suggestive of Gustav Klimt’s own style, and enlivened by the lovable and curious Katze make KLIMT AND HIS CAT a book for readers of all ages. It teaches about the artwork of the Secessionist artist, suggesting the importance of hard work, dedication, and being true to oneself.

Katze, the loyal cat of Gustav Klimt, takes readers on an exciting journey into the world of the famous Viennese painter. From distracting Gustav’s models to tagging along with Gustav on vacations, Katze always provides keen insight about the artist’s work and thoughts.

Some award-winning books are now in paperback:

THE DOG OF KNOTS: Kathy Walden Kaplan
GLORY: Nancy White Carlstrom and Debra Reid Jenkins
THE GREAT STONE FACE: Gary D. Schmidt, Bill Farnsworth

I have also found the SMITHSONIAN NATURE ACTIVITY GUIDE from Dorling-Kingsley a wonderful resource for making a day of “not knowing what to do” short but rewarding.

Explore nature with more than 30 fun activities, ranging from bird watching to raising caterpillars and growing your own crystals. Other fun and exciting ways the new Nature Activity series helps children explore the natural world is being:

Bird watchers
Bug hunters
Rock and fossil hunters
Stargazers

Here’s a wonderful resource you can use with your Senior group as well as with grandchildren. With just a little adaptation, it becomes powerful ministry! The HOMESPUN MEMORIES FOR THE HEART provides concrete, practical and tangible ways to bring spirituality into everyday life. It contains more than 200 inventive ideas plus Christian inspiration, brief reflections, and biblical examples of everyday celebration.

Readers will be encouraged to create their own family traditions and bring faith to life by making home a place where Christ, family, and friendships can be celebrated openly and often—because life doesn't have to be ordinary.

The books and resources mentioned here, along with 150,000 other titles and Christian music, can be purchased through the Partners In Pastoral Care website at www.partnersinpastoralcare.org . There you will find that each and every item is discounted.

2. A ccording to “The State of Aging and Health in America 2004” report, two-thirds of older Americans don't have healthy diets, one-third are not exercising, and one-fifth are at least 30 pounds overweight. This comprehensive report was jointly produced by the Merck Institute of Aging and Health (MIAH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and includes input by the Gerontological Society of America. The purpose of their third annual report is to focus on promoting healthy diet, controlling weight, and encouraging physical activity and other healthy behaviors among the 65 and older segment of society.

This report presents information and recommendations on what I, as an advocate for Seniors, and those under our leadership can and must do to ensure not just longer lives but better quality of life in and outside the place of worship. It presents specific calls to action to help promote good health, prevent chronic disease and postpone disability for the older adult.

According to the report, promoting a healthier lifestyle among older Americans is the single most important factor in maintaining physical and mental wellness. Consider this: the average 75-year-old has three chronic conditions and uses five prescription drugs daily.

In addition, during the year 2000, the top three causes of death for older Americans were heart disease, cancer and stroke. Tragically, these leading killers are often preventable by adopting healthier behaviors such as regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, choosing a smoke-free lifestyle, and getting regular physical screenings.

It is my firm belief that as “shepherds" of God’s flock, we can strive much harder to help older adults come to realize that poor health or disabilities are not inevitable consequences of aging. Although "The State of Aging and Health in America 2004” report does not have us, as leaders/pastors, in mind, it is a magnificent tool, used with sensitivity and creativeness, striving to ensure that older adults achieve their full life expectancy.

You may be interested to know that the report also rated health status, health behaviors and the use of preventive services at the national and state levels. Results indicate that:

Hawaii was the healthiest state for older Americans
Kentucky was the least healthy
Hawaii and Minnesota met the federal target for leisure-time physical activity
Not one state met the federal target for eating five fruits and vegetables a day
At least 37 states met the federal target for receiving the pneumonia vaccine, compared to only one state in 2002

The national and state results clearly show that most Americans are not engaging in healthy behaviors that could reduce their risk for disability and illness. Most of you who have known me for any length of time know that I am a strong proponent of exercise and dietary initiatives in each congregation, especially for the older adult.

The aforementioned report will also fill a unique niche on any bookshelf, in that it is simultaneously a reference book, blueprint and road map. It is time that most of us take a prayerful assessment of where we are, where we must go and, how to get there through thoughtful planning and study. We must also take the leadership role of guiding our precious congregations into a physical, mental, as well as spiritual, lifestyle.

3. Last month I mentioned to you a recent study showing sunlight to reduce the need for pain medicine. A week or so ago, out of nowhere, this old song popped into my head and I began singing the chorus over and over again, all afternoon:

Sunlight, Sunlight, In My Soul Today

I wandered in the shades of night,
Till Jesus came to me,
And with the sunlight of His love
Bid all my darkness flee.

CHORUS

Sunlight, sunlight in my soul today,
Sunlight, sunlight all along the way;
Since the Savior found me, took away my sin,
I have had the sunlight of His love within.

Though clouds may gather in the sky,
And billows round me roll,
However dark the world may be
I’ve sunlight in my soul.

While walking in the light of God,
I sweet communion find;
I press with holy vigor on,
And leave the world behind.

I cross the wide extended fields,
I journey o’er the plain,
And in the sunlight of His love
I reap the golden grain.

Soon I shall see Him as He is,
The Light that came to me;
Behold the brightness of His face,
Throughout eternity.

What a glorious old song! I am sure that Jusson VanDeMenter, who wrote the words in 1897, did not know that they would have an impact upon the healing process of persons in the 21 st century. But hospitals are not the only place of healing.

Find the sunniest spot in the church to gather your Seniors together for worship, fellowship or just plain fun activities. Throw up the blinds, open the shades and let the sun shine in.

This season, gather your Seniors together and take them to visit shut-ins, the hospitalized, those in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and Alzheimer’s living facilities. Don’t only sing a new song of the Church but some of the old songs and hymns from their faith history. Don’t just distribute a small gift, but let the “Sunlight of God” shine through with a long “hug” or embrace and a kiss on the cheek or forehead when appropriate.

By the way, remember to wash your hands and face before and between each visit with these lovely people. This is a precaution for you as well as for the residents. It a good idea to carry sterilizing towelettes, using them before leaving your vehicle and upon returning.

4. Observational ministry with Elders over the past ten years has brought me to the conclusion that in the last quarter of life we tend to focus more on our own problems rather than on our blessings and the grace of God.

By initiating the opportunity for Elders to focus on the good things in their lives, we invite a sense of gratitude in their gatherings and their personal lives. I have made it a practice to ask those I visit to share with me an example or two of how God showed His goodness to them. At the risk of sounding “old fashioned,” the testimony time in public worship serves this purpose extremely well.

Studies show that by paying attention to the details of the ways God deals with others and in which He gives and shows care and consideration, we become more mindful of our own lives.

5. What, if any, ministry virtue might come from leading Seniors into a preparedness program for disasters or emergencies? What value might there be in helping those of your Senior adult home-bound group plan for a disaster or emergency? Do you think it necessary to have a plan for action in case of an emergency or disaster while you are at church or out on an activity?

The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act and those around you in your ministry group may be helpless. There is no place in America where we are exempt from instant bad weather.

We suggest that you consider preparing now for sudden emergency, first for yourself and then for those you lead. Learn how to protect your group and cope with disaster by planning ahead.

Resources are plentiful when it comes to giving programs on the subject. You local emergency management office and American Red Cross Chapter are great places to start. It’s only a matter of calling and asking for someone to come out on your program date to make a presentation. You will be overwhelmed with the material, information and resources they can provide.

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