Seniors in service

1
Why is the Church Aging?

• 2/3 of all persons 65 or older who have ever
  lived are alive today.
• In 1921--1in 20 was over 65 -life expectancy was
  59 for men and 65 for women.

2

• In 2001--1 in 8 was over 65 -life expectancy was
  75.8 for men and 81.4 for women. 3.92 million
  Canadians.
• By 2021--1 in 5 are expected to be over 65
  accounting for 6.7 million Canadians.

3

• By 2041--1 in 4 are expected to be over 65 -life
  expectancy 81 for men and 86 for women
  accounting for 9.2 million Canadians.
• The fastest growing group are those over 85 In
  2001--430,000, By 2041--1,600,000

4
Why Is the Population Aging?

• Advances in Medical Technology (i.e. antibiotics,
  penicillin)
• Better public health
• (indoor plumbing
• By 2011 the first group of Baby Boomers
  (1946-1965) will reach 65

5

• Knapp study showed 40 of C of C. membership 55
  or older.

6
Two Theories

• Disengagement Theory
• Activity Theory

7
Psalm 9212-15 12 The righteous will flourish
like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of
Lebanon 13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will
stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, "The LORD
is upright he is my Rock, and there is no
wickedness in him." NIV
8
Psalm 9212-15 12 The righteous will flourish
like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of
Lebanon 13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will
stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, "The LORD
is upright he is my Rock, and there is no
wickedness in him." NIV
9
Psalm 9212-15 12 The righteous will flourish
like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of
Lebanon 13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will
stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, "The LORD
is upright he is my Rock, and there is no
wickedness in him." NIV
10
Psalm 9212-15 12 The righteous will flourish
like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of
Lebanon 13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will
stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, "The LORD
is upright he is my Rock, and there is no
wickedness in him." NIV
11
Psalm 9212-15 12 The righteous will flourish
like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of
Lebanon 13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will
stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, "The LORD
is upright he is my Rock, and there is no
wickedness in him." NIV
12
Psalm 9212-15 12 The righteous will flourish
like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of
Lebanon 13 planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will
stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, "The LORD
is upright he is my Rock, and there is no
wickedness in him." NIV
13
They are like a Palm Tree

• thrive in
• adversity
• (oasis) symbol
• of hope and help
• for others

14
They are like a cedar of Lebanon

• Live in excess
• of 1000 years
• Noted for
• its beauty
• Used in
• Solomons
• temple

15
They will still bear fruit in old age,
16
What does God expect of His older people?

• He expects them to be productive.
• He expects them to be a blessing to others.

17

• He expects them to share their knowledge of God
  with the next generation within the church.

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• 1 Corinthians 1221
• Ephesians 62
• Leviticus 1932

19
Senior Adults are a group particularly receptive
to the Good News.

• There are three main reasons
• Seniors are experiencing many
• changes in life.

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2) Older Adults have an increased desire for
meaningful relationships with others. 3) Senior
adults want (and need) to make a meaningful
contribution to society.
21

• Seniors are experiencing
• many changes in life.
• Holmes-Rahe Stress scale.
• relationship between transition
• events and a change in religious
• lifestyle

22

• this provides the church an
• opportunity to develop a ministry around these
  life-changing events.
• (support groups for stroke, cancer or Alzheimers
  patients.
• Or crisis groups loss of spouse, divorce support
  etc.)

23
Older Adults have an increased desire for
meaningful relationships with others.

• As we age our relationships
• change

24

• Meaningful relationships are therapeutic and
  contribute to longevity.
• Research shows Loneliness to be the 1 killer.

25
Senior adults want (and need) to make a
meaningful contribution to society.
3 basic stages Birth-25 life preparation 25-65
productive 65 redefinition
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• redefine our lives to find a sense of purpose.
• Matthew 1625
• whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but
  whoever loses his life for me will find it.

27

• Adopt a grandchild or grandparent
• Telephone Buddies
• Glad to meet you
• Ladies quilting group
• Community service (intergenerational) Leaf raking
  for non members

28
Delivering meals to shut ins, sick, or needy Food
Pantry/Clothing room Singing and devotionals at
local nursing homes Delivering Lords Supper to
members
29
WAY after school program JOY after school
program V.B.S. Jail ministry Mothers morning
out Bear Ministry
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• Magi Project
• Christmas Boxes

31
Special Wednesday evening classes for
public Communicating Family Values Marriage
Enrichment Financial Planning Community Blood
Drives Bone Marrow Screenings
32

• Healing Hands International
• Bread of Life Disaster
• Relief
• Weekly Bible Study, Singing and Lunch for seniors
  and friends

33
Using Church facilities for non member
activities Banquets, girl scouts, basket ball
practices, headstart registration etc.