By Van Yandell
Genesis 7:11 “In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.”
The American population is growing older. Sixty-two million (17%) were sixty-five years of age or older in 2020. By 2050 the projection of those in that age group is estimated to be as many as 23%.
Conditions such as depression, loneliness, and anxiety exist among many of the elderly. A primary need is for those in that age group to stay connected. Feeling connected to one’s family, church and community groups is of extreme importance.
Many jokes are told concerning the plight of the elderly, but when one reaches that stage in life, there’s nothing funny about it.
Walking awkwardly because of the pain in the joints is not laughable in the least. The stiffness in the muscles that results from an extended car ride is a certainty for the elderly.
Balance is lessened and the ability to climb steps is certainly not what it once was. And because of the abuse of prescription painkillers, people that need them cannot get them.
The physical conditions that result from those accumulated years is horrible at times. But the potential treatment by the younger ones that do not understand the pain and vulnerability can be insulting and hurtful.
An occasional call from a child or grandchild would be cherished, but many have come to a point of not expecting that to happen.
The elderly are marginalized in many situations. Some governments have determined that past the age of 65, one’s usefulness is limited and it certainly appears the choice to put the aged “out to pasture” is a norm.
Our Bearcat is also getting up in years. I noticed he never runs these days. His playing days are over. He even walks to the cat food bowl. We still pet him and cater to his every demand. Bear has his own hair brush with which Margie brushes him most every day.
His memory is still amazing and his cat-body-clock is working perfectly. Every morning when I arise, sometimes before daylight, Bear is at the back door ready to be fed. Afternoons, usually around 3:30, he reminds us of his afternoon snack.
The Bearcat is a cat, not human, but he has feelings, too. We take care of him like we would hope to be cared for in a couple of decades.
A quote by Lailah Gifty Akita states, “The glory of the elderly is their insight, their knowledge, and their wisdom.” So often at the passing of friends or acquaintances, I’ve thought about the knowledge that died with them. The knowledge and wisdom possessed by the elderly is a treasure that few ever realize.
Another misfortune of the elderly is to see their friends pass away. In the last few years, several of my closest friends have died. The thought of their deaths and being left without them is heartbreaking.
At times, I’ve promoted for the elderly to write their experiences and growing up and living in America in their generation. Do not allow all those memories to die! So many times I’ve wished my Dad had written some of his memories. If the hands are in too much pain to write, perhaps a digital recorder would suffice. For a child or grandchild to hear their voice might be a blessing in years to come.
For young parents not to teach their children the blessings of grandparents and other elderly people they may know is alarming. The values and priorities of the older ones is a treasure that should never be forgotten or taken for granted. When they’re dead, they’re gone from this life forever.
And above all, the elderly have feelings. To be treated as having no worth is heartbreaking. A recent statement heard by an elderly man was, “My son never calls and I barely know my grandchildren.” The tears in his eyes brought tears to mine.
The ignoring of the elderly in their churches is unconscionable. The elderly built the church on the Solid Rock, Jesus and to see the church abandon the values of Christianity is distressing.
In the past they taught the Bible study classes, cooked, cleaned, prayed, supported the preacher, led the missions groups, sang in the choir and led the music. They worked with the youth and were an outreach endeavor unsurpassed by any missionary. They organized and worked the Vacation Bible School that led more children to Jesus than any outreach in the history of the church.
The love and care we share to the elderly is a benchmark of our level of humanity. To discard, disregard or ignore those that have reached their declining years is unacceptable.
To regard as of lesser importance to God is a total misconception. Proverbs 16:31 “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” The words of our creator written in the scriptures verify HIS attitude toward the elderly.
Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Perhaps we could wake up to the value and feelings of the elderly. We would never make a joke of, or ignore a handicapped person; so why the elderly?
Van Yandell is a retired Industrial Arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and missionary.
