How do you feel about old or older people? That is a really important question to ask these days.
I suspect I was a typical teenager/young person (way back in the Dark Ages). I wanted to be older but not too old. I just knew that the older I got the more respect I would get. At least it was supposed to happen that way. But then I also looked at those who were really old and thought, “Man, I don’t ever want to be like that.” Well, here I am! 🙂
Fortunately, God has blessed me with still having my faculties, but as I age I also am more aware of others who struggle. They struggle physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. I’m not sure if it is societal awareness or just the aging process in myself, but I am much more cognizant of people struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s. I’m currently reading a short book by Ben Boland entitled Priceless People-Loving Older People & People Living with Dementia. Ben has been a chaplain for over 15 years in Australia, but I’m sure you will agree geography is no barrier to something like dementia. Right off the bat he sets the record straight. He says all people are Immutably Valuable and that is because we all have at least a threefold value:
- We’re created by God.
- We’re created in God’s image.
- We’re so loved by God that Jesus died for us.
We have all been created by the Master and valued beyond far more than just outward beauty or ability. In my own experience as a pastor I have seen it is much more common to devalue someone whose quality of life is not what we weigh as viable. I’ve seen people in nursing homes never receiving a visitor from their family. Other than staff, I may have been the only one to come by and visit. Sad. What changes our outlook is realizing older people and people living with dementia are valuable and loved by God, because they, like all other people, bear the image of God.
It is easy to lose touch with older people, especially as they may lose touch with reality. But don’t be one of those people who do. Find a neighbor or a fellow church goer or someone in a home who needs a friend. You will be glad you did.
I see so many posts by other bloggers who rightly say that getting old isn’t for sissies. All true! We are in that upper echelon of age that does come with its unique and often demanding challenges, Bill. While we can, for as long as we can, let’s be loving and caring to one another just as God has loved us. Blessings!
I say a great big and hearty AMEN to that Martha!
Great advice Bill. You do not need any special abilities to just take the time to talk with someone and show them that you care and that they are valued. That certainly falls under God’s command to love one another as God loves us.
Well said Gail. I like what you said especially about no special abilities required.
The reality of this post has hit me between the eyes in the past month. Knowing the time was coming, but honestly keeping it just far enough out of sight and mind so I didn’t have to think was probably not the wisest move. I won’t go into details as this is not fully my story, but your last paragraph hits home and leaves me a bit emotional. I’ll end with reiterating your comment…
—Don’t be one of those people loses touch with older people, especially those who may depend on you, even when they don’t realize it—
I’m feeling your pain Ryan since I know part of the situation. Thanks for being vulnerable with expressing your thoughts.