Spiritual Formation and the Elderly

Why does the spiritual formation with the elderly even matter?

Older Adults:

population rapidly increasing

living longer and healthier

special privileges and responsibilities

“…we cannot really understand any stage of our life journey unless we can penetrate the mystery of its final stage.”

Kathleen Fischer

Truth or Myth?

Aging is similar for all older adults.

Truth: Aging is an individual experience.

Aging is a very natural process.

Genetics, nutrition, stress, exercise, health care and lifestyle all influence the aging process.

Personal diversity most apparent during older adulthood

“As we grow older we become more ourselves, more unique.” Kathleen Fischer

Truth or Myth?

It is important for older adults to separate their spiritual life and needs from the realities and challenges of getting old.

Truth: Spiritual life and growth does NOT

occur in isolation from all aspects of life.

Spirituality is NOT just one compartment of life but the deepest dimension of all of life.

To be spiritual is not just to pray and meditate but also to be involved in the struggles of marriage, work, and raising children; in social responsibility and in the effort to make a just and peaceful world.

T. Moore

Dr. Robert Mulholland writes:

Human life is by its nature spiritual formation.

Every event of life is an experience of spiritual formation.

Spiritual formation is the primal reality of human existence.

Truth or Myth?

Older adults resist change.

Truth…

“People don’t resist changechange,

they resist lossloss”

Truth or Myth?

Older adults are not capable of change.

Truth…

Older adults are often experts at change.

Truth or Myth?

Older adults cannot or should not make decisions for themselves.

Truth…

Wisdom is with the aged.

Truth or Myth?

Aging is a result of sin, and therefore part of the curse rather than a blessing from God.

Truth… Life is God-breathed until the very end. Getting old does not diminish the image

of God. The aged belong in community as much

as the young. Elders have God-ordained calls.

Truth or Myth?

Aging is about -

decline

dependency

disability

disease

depression

Truth… Aging is no accident.

Aging is not so much about the loss of capacity as it is about the loss of illusion. James Hillman

Truth…

Understanding the relationship between the spiritual life and aging, helps us find ways to turn our losses into gains.

Kathleen Fischer

Aging is NOT a process of decline

it is a process of becoming

continuing to meet life’s challenges

growing into a complete human being

Truth or Myth?

Old age is not the best season for

spiritual growth.

Truth…

Growth into the image and likeness of Christ is life-long.

The final stage of life is preparation for final union with God.

Truth or Myth?

The degree of spiritual maturity in old age directly corresponds to the degree of active involvement in church programs and projects.

Truth…

Older adults shift from doing over being to being over doing spiritual growth and life corresponds with this developmental change.

Spiritual Tasks of Older Adulthood Face the reality of age and death Review and reflect on one’s life Rediscover God in your journey Overcoming ego Live in the present

Spiritual Formation - Elderly

Integration and acceptance…

Remembering and Life Review

Becoming our teachers - Listening

Solidarity via acceptance of our aging

Undivided presence of others

Intergenerational contact

Spiritual growth corresponds with human aging.

Spiritual life can take various

forms in the elderly.

Is there a relationship between the spiritual life and aging?

If so, what?

Does spiritual life help one age?

Does or can aging impact spiritual life and growth?

Is aging about “decline” or “ascent”?

Is it about going up or going down?

Should we try to prevent it or revere it?