When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age. ~Victor Hugo
Our senior adults have hard issues facing them. While we call the retirement age the "Golden Years," for many they are anything but golden. They struggle with financial and health issues. And on top of these and other struggles, the devil fights with all his vengeance, telling them they are of no worth to anyone.
In Joy Busters: 120 Ways to Encourage Older Adults, Missy Buchanan shares ways to encourage older adults through conversation, music, photographs, and more. Link to Share the Shelter or leave a copy to be entered into the giveaway.
Link up your sheltering ideas -- a recipe, craft or sewing project, a blog post sure to encourage or teach, or another sheltering idea you'd like to share? Link up and enjoy the ideas. Use them to go shelter!
Mr. McIver came to church with a glisten in his eye. “I went to the nursing home to feed my wife her breakfast. She was alert and ate every bite of the peach I cut up for her.” His soft, shaky voice made it hard to catch all the words, but his spirit drew us into his joy. For nearly four years, you'd find him spending time with her, feeding and caring for her--even though on most days she did not even recognize him. “I told the Lord it would be good if Clara and I could go to heaven together.”
But they are of worth to us--we need their wisdom. And they need us--they need our encouragement.
Five ways to brighten a senior's day:
1. Fill a bird house. When seniors are homebound, watching birds helps them pass the hours.
2. Fill the cookie jar. Cookies are universal--everyone likes them. And not only will the seniors enjoy the treat, they'll have fun sharing with their visitors.
3. Take the baby. Seniors love babies. Sit close, because they won't be able to resist touching their soft skin and trying to squeeze a smile. However, limit the visit to 15 minutes, especially if baby is fussy.
4. Take a walk with them. Sometimes a walk around the block is just what is needed. Move slowly, enjoying the flowers and sunshine.
5. Take their favorite fast food dessert. Our pastor's wife used to take a Frosty to a dear lady who loved them.
We read in Leviticus 19:32, Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly. Let's all work to put a twinkle in some wrinkles this week.
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14 comments:
I have been surrounded by old folks for several years, and now my own parents are having challenges. Thank you for this timely post.
Remember, for those with Dementia or Alzheimer's, even if they don't remember your visit the next day, you have brightened their day when they visit. A loving visit is never wasted.
Thanks so much for the linky party, Pamela. Hope your trip to CA was a lot of fun!
Kathy M.
Oh yes, how important our precious elders are indeed! Reading this post reminds me of my dear sweet 7 year old son who loves the elderly! :) I'm encouraged that much more to take advantage of his love for them (and mine as well) and visit those who are lonely and/or widowed, etc.
God bless you!
Oh, Pamela - how right you are! Our *older* folks are indeed precious, and they rightly deserve our respect and attention. I ministered at an assisted living facility for several years, and sometimes just a moment of physical touch is more important than you realize. I'm also learning a new path as my parents are aging.
I think we have much to learn from these older, but most often wiser, wonderful people.
GOD BLESS!
Speaking as one of the older ones, I know how lovely it is to be made to feel useful....doing the church flowers, helping at a school assembly, shopping with a grand- daughter.
First of all; I love your picture Pamela! :) Precious!
Being old and being forced to rely on other people for basic needs, entertainment or anything else can't be easy. (I try to imagine myself at 80 years old, ninety, or even a hundred!) I can't imagine the frustration of not being able to do things as fast as I used to. Being old isn't easy, but there are so many ways for us to put a smile on their face or bring them some joy. If we only take a few moments out of our own lives to do something special or comforting for them, we'd be making an enormous difference to brighten their lives!
Lovely post!
Denise
This is a thoughtful post with enduring relevance. Now that in Colorado anyone over the age of 60 is considered AT RISK, which gives extra protection, elderly is coming to me hard.
Thank you, Pamela, for thes helpful tips on visiting with the elderly.
I just want to Thank you for posting these great ideas!
So enjoyed this post. We are surrounded by seniors who are facing difficult situations right now. Making it a point to remember them and reach out is so important to us. Teaching our children to minister to this age group is also vital.
I just started teaching a Bible study at an assisted living facility. I know it is a great blessing to me, and I pray to them as well. Thanks for the great post & for hosting, & God bless!
Laurie
Such wonderful ideas.
Sitting watching birds on a feeder, then having a cup of hot drink with a cookie, I can see someones eyes shining. I think the hardest thing about old age is if you can no longer see. Thats where my mother is, so her comfort is her talking clock, it says the time. Music and a radio is also special for her as it keeps her connected. I am approaching seventy, so I wonder what I will do to pass the time, when I age a little more? I hope someone walks with me, or brings a dessert. much love Crystal
A very dear 95 year old lady gave me this advice one day when I stopped by to see her - Always be conscious of where you are putting your wrinkles! Smile a lot, and the wrinkles will go in the right places!
Thank you for stopping by and inviting me! I added you to my weekly link party list and to the post that I am sharing.
Hope you are having a great week!
Joanne @ jmacreativemess.blogspot.com
I love the ideas you listed for sheltering older people!
I've often seen them forgotten or "pushed aside."
One of the easiest gifts to give them is a listening ear. They love having someone to talk to and tell their "old time" stories --- coupled it with some homemade cookies and it's a sure fire day brightener!
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