The Star Tribune (Sunday, February 14, 2016, http://www.startribune.com/suburbs-brace-for-wave-of-older-adults-who-want-to-age-in-their-homes/368714601/) reported on issues of aging and housing for the metro area. The National Aging in Place Council (http://www.ageinplace.org/) is working hard to help people live independently in their own homes for as long as they can.
Pivot Point Ministry Workshop
I will be presenting a workshop for the local chapter of the National Aging in Place Council at Chandler Place Assisted Living on Thursday, https://www.acheterviagrafr24.com/vente-viagra/ March 10, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. and I will focus on “The Challenges of Social Isolation for Seniors-The Importance of Connecting the Dots.”
Aging in Place and The Local Congregation
The role of the church becomes quite important when considering issues of aging in place. Aging in place involves issues of finance, wellness, transportation, and social connectedness.
Transportation: For many seniors, aging, results in giving up driving. This often feels like a loss of independence and autonomy. Public transportation, especially in the suburbs, is often non-existent or difficult. How can congregations help seniors get to church, appointments, or run errands?
Finance: Finances get complicated for senior citizens. Many need assistance with taxes, understanding contracts, figuring out insurance, and other financial issues. Some are targets of unscrupulous scams. How might a congregation support the elderly and their families in addressing these challenges?
Wellness: Wellness is more than the absence of disease. Wellness means living a well-integrated life. Wellness includes spiritual, emotional, physical, social and intellectual well-being. What can congregations do to promote wellness for seniors?
Social connectedness: It is a wonderful gift to be able to age in one’s own home, but the challenge is to stay socially connected. Social isolation leads to a decrease in one’s wellness. How can a local congregation support or even expand social connections?
The Star-Tribune article outlines the percentage increase of the number of people over 65 in
the Twin Cities Metro Area in the next twenty years. Some counties will experience as much as 150% increase in the number of people over 65. If your congregation is located in one of those areas, it is now time to begin planning for a ministry of aging that goes beyond Bingo, cards, and dominoes.
