Even in Old Age

By Patsy Klein, Coordinator, St. Jeanne Jugan Ministry with Elders 

"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; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." - Isaiah 46:4 

The Golden Years are our time to relax, enjoy favorite activities, or perhaps travel. For the past few years, aging has not been seen as a golden time. In a society focused on youth, the life process of aging is frightening to many. The elderly are lonely; they are overlooked and when asked ‘why’ their reply is that they feel forgotten or feel they have become a burden. 

When work gave purpose to their life, what was their purpose as they aged and retired? We all need to remember, in our Catholic faith that life from conception to natural death is valued and has purpose. Many scriptures in the bible speak about the wisdom and knowledge the elderly possess. Examples of God appointing 70 elders to help Moses when Moses felt burdened, Abraham dying at a good old age (175), an old man and full of years, and many more. Aging is a blessing. It provides for the elderly to share with new generations the traditions and prayers of faith. The elderly sustain the churches with each generation they teach. 

We all should celebrate the elderly in our life. The upcoming holidays provide time for the generations of a family to come together and learn from each other. Invite your elders to take part in the preparations of a meal if they can. Open conversations about the days and holidays of their youth and discover new family traditions. Have the eldest and the youngest at the table say grace. 

As we grow older do not fear. “Do not be afraid” shows up more than 300 times in the Bible. It's the single most repeated command God gives His people. Why? Because He knows fear is one of our greatest battles. In times of sickness we can all have the Sacrament of Anointing (healing) but for the elderly it can be especially meaningful. This special blessing provides strength for what is to come as well as strength for what we currently endure. 

When days are difficult, just remember, the blessing of aging is not granted to everyone. Getting older means you have more life experience to share. We have a new day for prayer and for gratitude to the Lord. The Lord is providing us with time to prepare for our eternal life with Him.  

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of working with our Apostolic Administrator Bishop Kicanas. He is 84 years old and has been a priest for nearly 60 years. It’s widely believed that our shepherd is likely the oldest bishop serving in public ministry. I watched as he spoke clearly, directly, and with utmost grace and elegance into the camera about aging with dignity. His heartfelt plea was that we honor the elderly with compassion. 

Days before that he blessed 100-year-old twin sisters who reside in Tucson. Our bishop reminds us that life is a gift and that it is our shared responsibility, regardless of our age and stage in life, to love one another. I invite you to take a moment to watch the video and share its message with your loved ones. Blessings on each of you.