Do you need a lifeline?

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

The world is full of highlights and headlines of stories of gloom and doom. Stressful events, while growing older, can impact the elderly's well-being. Old age can be a challenge at the best of times: retirement happens, economic challenges, spiritual concerns, new health problems and accidents because of those limitations, the loss of a spouse, family members and/or friends.

Seniors today have lived through an incredible range of life events. As one ages, one may face multiple transitions, such as, new accommodations, illness, medical setbacks which can affect your balance, loss of muscle mass, and increased further risk of falls, (my husband has fallen four times in the last five weeks), a change in vision or hearing, perhaps even the loss of a driver's license!

These transitions, can be stressful, and make a person feel they are losing their independence! I certainly feel this lately, and I am now closer to 70 than 60.

Recently, my vehicle stopped working completely, and is not repairable. Who can afford a car on an old age pension? It seems my entire body hurts, some days my mobility is in question, and my mood: well, let's just say my husband is a saint.

However, I continue to praise God with thanksgiving in my heart, living grateful for my Church Family who prays for us, and my daughter(s) who come to my rescue whenever I need them.

I understand stressful events have an effect on ones mental and physical health. With these life changes, seniors who feel isolated, both physically and emotionally, need to maintain humour, social connections and attempt to move through these transitions with grace and dignity. These moments don't define you or me but how we respond does.

There are always people you can reach out to, your Pastor, Doctor, Friends, and Health Care Professionals. In the middle of a world falling apart, my saving grace is, He/God shows up in my broken moments. He is the reason I make it through.

In life, there are many who need our compassion, support and love. God does care for those who are vulnerable and in need. The Bible does help and provides for us a framework for embracing aging with grace, honour, wisdom and continued purpose.

Believers are encouraged to view aging as a season of growth, service and hope. My faith and reliance on God's promises, tell me I am not alone.

Accepting seasons of change in life builds our resilience, teaches us contentment and is an important key to happiness, regardless of the challenges we face! Our lives are meant for something deeper, something eternal.

Suffering and comfort can go hand in hand. Jesus faced rejection, persecution, and suffering but was the agent of major change to reality. His followers will also experience trials because of their faith, embracing change for God's inevitable good.