‘Aging Is So Cool Everyone Is Doing It’

This is the last in my series “Things I’m Bad At,” meaning simply that I am far from an expert on subjects like managing our thoughts, prayer and growing old with contentment. But I want to learn and improve – and perhaps you do too.

Eating lunch at the Branson-Hollister Senior Center the other day, I spotted a t-shirt that reads “Aging Is So Cool Everyone Is Doing It.” I’m not sure I can convince you that aging is cool, but may I at least nudge you toward thinking about it in a more positive way?

“The truth is that God has given me everything I need to age not only faithfully but joyfully,” wrote Peggy Wehmeyer.

Age brings with it inevitable losses, and they accumulate through the years. We lose not only people in our lives that we cherished but some of the productivity we experienced when we were younger. And I challenge you to find a person 65 or older who could honestly tell you they’ve not noticed some losses of physical strength, balance, vision or hearing.

However, in her book “Aging Faithfully,” Alice Fryling states that losses can open the door to transformation. In other words, they can bring personal growth, i.e., good changes in us. She encourages us to look for hope and purpose, and states that we can still flourish.   

Fryling and others have written that we can learn to view growing old as a gift from God. Logically, if you are a senior citizen and you’re still here (and you are or you wouldn’t be reading my column) then it is God’s will for you to experience old age.

“Instead of letting it get you down,” Fryling writes, “embrace it and you may find unexpected treasures and blessings.”

Psalm 92:14 (NIV) tells us that “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” Further, in II Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV), it says “…Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Wasting away? Sounds a lot like the complaint “My body is falling apart!” that I hear almost every day from fellow seniors. But I don’t often hear someone express happy gratitude for their inner renewal (myself included).

I cannot urge you strongly enough to get a copy of Billy Graham’s book called “Nearing Home.” Had he not become a preacher, his boyhood dream was to become a professional baseball player – thus, the analogy to nearing home plate.

Reverend Graham’s book does not preach at us. Instead, it is a deeply personal account of what he was experiencing himself. His book provides so much sound advice, but here are just a few tidbits (paraphrased):

• When you have aches and pains (and you will), don’t overblow them.

• Our bodies were not made to last forever; beware of getting resentful. Dispel the thought “This isn’t fair!”

• Beware idleness. Volunteer, get involved, look for things you can do to serve.

• Enjoy your blessings but watch out for too much self-indulgence. The happiest people I meet are those who help others.

• Pray. It’s a sweet activity we can still do. And stay in close fellowship with God, listening to His voice.

Loneliness often comes to older people, especially if a spouse is now gone. Sarah Young sheds light on being alone in her book “Jesus Calling” in which she urges us not to fear lonely places. Jesus didn’t. The Bible often says He went to a lonely place to pray.

Young challenges us to “Thank [God] for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away. . .  Instead, search for [God’s way] in the midst of these circumstances.”

Living alone is not always a piece of cake (I can vouch for that having lost my husband about 15 months ago), but Isaiah 30:15 (NIV) reminds us that “In quietness and trust is your strength.”

Author Max Lucado writes, “You may feel like it’s a long, tiring journey.” However, he says, it will be worth it “for the joys of the wedding feast” in Heaven.

Speaking of heaven, Randy Alcorn in his book called “Heaven,” says “We’re always wondering why we have to endure suffering. God uses suffering and impending death to unfasten us from this earth and to set our minds on what lies beyond.”

Take courage and comfort in promises like these: “He will also strengthen you to the end.” (II Corinthians 1:8a NIV).

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” (Psalm 23:6a NKJV).

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you….” (Isaiah 46:4 NIV).

“Who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Ps. 103:5 RSV).

Can you grow old gracefully and with contentment? Yes, I believe you can!