Dr Ian Donald on "Christian approaches to ageing "T
Following an introduction
by Richard Kerr-Wilson and prayer
and readings from Brian Dunlop, Dr Ian Donald (Consultant in Old Age Medicine in
As nearly all deaths occur after the age of 70-75 following in most cases a fairly lengthy retirement how do we keep ourselves fit and well? Creams and potions are not the answer: Dr Donald emphasised that it is most important that we keep ourselves physically, mentally and socially active. Please note that church members apparently live 5 years longer than non church goers. Is the Biblical threescore and ten years (Psalm 90 v10) still true?
Along with this change there is a rapidly growing anti-ageing industry here which needs to be countered. Remember all people of whatever age have a soul and also have potentially something to contribute to society. The righteous ….still bring forth fruit in old age (Psalm 92 vv12-14). Think of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2 vv 25-38).
The fact that a church (or other place of worship) has mainly older attendees does not mean it is of no value, especially as older people have spiritual needs, as well as social ones, which the Church can satisfy ..But don’t forget those who cannot get to a Church or similar place.
Older people should be given the respect and honour which they deserve and, should for instance, be allowed whenever possible to behave independently.
But over-arching all this is God’s love of all of us and His gift to us of an immortal soul. “Though our outer nature is wasting away our inner nature is being renewed every day”(2 Corinthians 4 v16) What a comfort.
With many thanks to Ian Donald for such a tour de force and help with the Scripture references.
David Long