The Art of Aging

1. GCAC Stephen Ministry Continuing Education The Art of Aging April, 2014

2. For Ourselves Learn about common stress factors and opportunities in retirement Prepare myself and my family for my own retirement and aging (perhaps separating these into 2 separate topics) As a Stephen Minister Help my family members and friends deal with the stresses of retirement and aging Application: Think of someone close to you In the interest of GCAC (requested by Pastor He) Share what we learned with graying brothers and sisters (Consider leading a workshop during GCAC Retreat) Provide recommendations to GCAC leadership about ministry needs and opportunities Purpose for this Study

3. How Shall We Do the Study • Use the structure Quon provided based on the topics in this book • Use the book as one reference and catalyst • Do not limit our discussion content to this book. Draw upon other resources and our own experience

4. Retirement • What emotions come to mind when you think of your own retirement? • How has the age and notion of "retirement" changed over the last generation (30 years)? • Can you envision what your retirement years will be like?

5. Retirement Readiness How long should I work? Consider: • Financial need • Physical and mental capacity • Is work still enjoyable? Consider the amount of stress • What would you rather be doing? • How well is your family/work/ministry/personal interests balance? PERSONAL: see advice above. In terms of ministry engagement,it's a question of a) doing what? b) how much energy and time? Also, should the nature of my ministry remain the same? Or should I shift from "doing" to "equipping"?

6. family/work/ministry/personal interests balance What are pre-retirement stress factors? What may become post-retirement stress factors?

7. Post Retirement Ministry • The author wantsus not to think of retirement as "doing no productivework, paid or unpaid" Observation: Even from a selfish perspective, many don't mind working to maintain brain function and to benefit others in some way. It is a win-win proposition. Most are willing, but unaware of opportunities. (Note: The book cited examples of couples moving into a ministry together; this is ideal, but not always possible. Single person ministries are still workable.)

8. Post-Retirement Ministry Opportunities • GCAC ministry examples: David Lee and we also had official ministry staff positions for a while. • What were thelessons learned? • Should GCAC consider setting up organized ministry opportunities? • What are key considerations? • Non-Church related Christian ministries with missions and charitable organizations

9. Myths of Old Age • unproductive • leisure is primary focus • diminished learning ability • no interest in other age groups • physically weak • uninteresting If we believe in these myths, we’ll become like that.

10. What Old-Age Can Be • Psalm 92:12-14, Proverbs 16:31

11. Getting Ourselves Out of the Rut • Observation: Most people have long, productive span of life... Only very short last days where you cannot do any good to anyone. • Isolation, deterioration of physical health, fear, and anxiety draw us toward self-centeredness. Be aware not to fall into the self-centered trap. • God created us for a long life of service – a countermeasure against the tendencies towards self-centeredness

12. Getting Ourselves Out of the Rut • CHURCH AND SM: • Encourage seniors how to communicate assertively • Encourage social interaction • Provide opportunities for inter-generation interaction • Provide opportunities for learning and teaching • Give the elderly (visible) opportunities to be helpful • PERSONAL ADVICE: Balance learning, working, and relaxation, PLUS EXERCISE!

13. Beware of Obstacles • Be aware of possible obstacles from productive post-retirement ministry • Physical limitations – Sometimes God can still use us and provides a helper (as Aaron was to Moses) • Lack for faith • Our own pride

14. How to Age Gracefully • Our attitude is everything. Learn to: • Rejoice in The Lord(Philippians 4:4-9} • Be Content; be thankful • Dwell on the positive • Be prepared to face change - distinguish between the inevitable and the opportunity.

15. The Serenity Prayer "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference -- Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it: trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.“

16. How to Age Gracefully PERSONAL ADVICE: "formulate attainable goals - plan to fill your life with fewer activities, and enter into these activities with greater intensity and sensitivity. Allow yourself the time to treasure the many dimensions of God's handiwork in your life and through your life. "

17. Dealing with Suffering • Be mentally prepared to accept changes in your life: deteriorating health of yourself and of your spouse • Develop a sound personal theology of suffering • Draw close to God and family Look to God's word for comfort. Find "safe" friends (those who are a positive influence), assertively ask for help, and gracefully accepting

18. Dealing with Suffering • PERSONAL: maintain a sense of humor, develop support relationship • CHURCH AND SM: • Can we identify those who are undergoing significant changes in their aging process? • What are their needs? How do we minister to them and their families?