As the calendar year ends, elder analysts in society cogitate a bit about the end of life. The thoughts do not emerge dramatically, but gently: Will I be here this time next year? Will I be ambulatory, and able to care for myself? Will the few matters that mean something to me remain available to my life? The questions follow in that vein for an elderly person.
The Bible represents old age as a gift from God, and the result of a good regimen giving strength (health). Psalm 90:10. But, it also notes that even when life is lengthy for an individual, the whole of it is short, and challenged with toil and trouble. While length of life is perceived as desirable and a gift, it is also seen as a turbulent period visited with debilitating illness; loss of sensory acuities (like vision, hearing, appetite); and, decline to death. Humanity appears to be the only segment of animal creation that knows death is in the future, known well in advance. This offers us the privilege of preparing for the event, but it also makes us vulnerable to folly as we move inexorably, without choice, toward the last hour of natural life. In America the aged become, as media sources have put it, a throw-away generation. This statement is a relatively recent interpretation for aging. Many societies revered the aged, and made sure they were made to feel wanted, honored, and listened to for wisdom. Younger generations in those societies saw themselves growing old, and treated the aged as they wanted to be treated when they gained their own advanced years. Some communities chose revered elder citizens to serve as town gurus.
The reasons for the loss of this pattern of respect for the aged are many: a significant increase in the number of aged making them a major group competing for limited resources in society; a shift to youth orientation that forms culture; an increase in self-interest as a driving force for wealth and politics; a fragmentation of the family that means loss of generational knitting together; and, other factors. Everything has been affected by some decline of civility and love as a living pattern for family and others; preoccupation with what is current rather than futuristic with obligations; and, increase in the number of distractions (busyness) that use up time. The list seems unending.
Being elderly, I talk to many elderly persons, and have spoken in conferences attended by elders only. What do they inwardly desire to satisfy dreams? They want to hold to their identity, to feel self-worth, to be in health, as well as maintain independence, preserve values, and not be seen as burdens on society. Generally, good persons know that they have provided more to future society and infrastructure than will be required for their final care, if help is needed. To do this they need for themselves a share of humor; an opportunity to serve on reduced schedules; and, understanding of their circumstances. They need to: learn how to release their possessions and influence in dignified ways; find means to maintain relationships with family and friends; discover release from some culture shifts; hope for personal safety and security; and, maintain growing Christian faith seen as important in preparation for end-life reporting. These are justifiable expectations. I give them attention. Human expectations are cause for God’s attention in prayer. In right context, God makes it clear that he regards old age as a gift, partly afforded if some matters are in place. We do not decide that if a person dies young those matters are not in place. God deals with each person as he chooses – some to greater earthly honor than others. He even notes honor and dishonor. I am to stay out of the matter of evaluating others or regard their benefits. Jesus said, Follow thou me. I want to stay with that. It fulfills life. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020