Why does society have difficulty seeing and appreciating the qualities possessed by seniors?

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

It's certainly been a challenging year for us. We both look forward to a fresh start with hope and anticipation. As believers, we focus our eyes on Jesus and his wonderful ways of coming through.

Many see an older person as broken, as if somehow, they need to be fixed. I will admit, our bodies do change and so they suffer. Their parts no longer work like they once did.

Most seniors begin to seem to disappear into the background, and this is a growing problem. Seniors often feel invisible, due to societal shifts, changes in support persons social roles, or changes from health complications. Many, whether they are family or friends, are busy with their own lives. It's sad, but, in addition, many are so engrossed in their cellphones they no longer properly acknowledge or value seniors. These, in society, no longer values seniors' wisdom or experiences and fail to see a senior's full worth.

Thinking back on long gone days of my youth, I realize I witnessed things the kids of today will never understand or get to experience. I find joy in remembering, (is that bad, of course not), and comfort in having lived in such an innocent time, but still not a naive one. The beauty of aging is also realizing how rich those chapters are and how much we carry with us. Those inconsequential moments have profound value as memories which can make a huge difference in connecting with others, something more people struggle with today. 

Listen. To me, aging is understanding the seasons of change and growth. At times, we all feel we are facing insurmountable obstacles. These obstacles in our lives, whatever they may be, shape and form us. They, in part, make us who we are, young and old. No matter how hard the task is, we need to allow God in, and praise God through it all. Happiness/joy often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open, cause that's just the way God does things!

Keep your thoughts on Jesus because beautiful things grow out of hard places. God sees the invisible.