The Need to Celebrate the Elderly
Traditionally the world over, the elderly or geriatric are considered to be those persons aged 65 and above. Achieving old age is a thing of joy and a divine privilege. Many desire to live long but some do not achieve it. It is important to note that individuals age differently and every old person deserves respect and dignity regardless of status.
Moreover, there are categorizations of the elderly: 65 to 74 years are early elderly, while those over 75 years are referred to as late elderly. According to the United Nations, World Population has reached 8 billion people in November 2022 of which those aged 65 and above in Nigeria make up 3.1 % or 5.9million of the total population of 191 million. The population of those aged 65 years and above fell gradually from 3.3% in 1973 to 3% in 2022. However, practically in Nigeria people are not identified as elderly until the age of 70 years even when some retire earlier.
The Catholic Church celebrates the elderly in the month of July, Sunday close to the feast of St Joachim & Anne, the earthly parents of our Mother, Mary. This year the elderly will be celebrated on the 23rd of July, 2023.The elderly really need to be celebrated by the church. This is because at older age, the elderly tend to give more time to God and are more aware of their mortality than at younger age. This notwithstanding, they are burdened with a lot of challenges.
The challenges of the Elderly Aside from the inevitable wrinkles and gray hair, growing older can bring with it conditions like physical health challenges, mental health issues, financial insecurity and ageism which can confine them to their home. When the elderly is confined to the home, or lose mobility and other independent living qualities, they can no longer attend church services; community and social meetings; etc which will therefore have a dispensation from their obligations.
The Elderly and the Society
The elderly needs to satisfy the need for connectedness to the community, church and neighborhood which contributes to the feeling of independence. This is one of the most important social needs of the elderly. Most elderly persons are not able to do these because of one ill-health or another.
Another is staying active by doing volunteer work or participating in social activities in the community. Examples are chairing community or village meetings; participating in kingship elections or even vying for kingship positions; among others. Apart from the above, stronger ones among them can still engage in some menial jobs such as home repairs; building contracts; transportation business, etc.
Also the way we address the elderly in the society can sometime make them feel disrespected or marginalized. To avoid this, there are synonyms that can be used such as: senior citizens, mature adults, older adults, golden agers among others. Choosing the right synonym can help to portray a positive and empowered image of aging and senior citizens in our society.
The Elderly and the Church
Most definitions describe the elderly as men and women who have earned their respect as elders through wisdom, harmony and balance of their life actions.
More still, the bible describes the elderly focusing majorly on character qualities (1Timothy 3: 1-7; Titus 1: 5-9). Elders should be self-controlled, sensible, holy, and hospitable. They cannot be drunkards or bullies or money-grubbers. Elders should be above reproach. Moreover, elders should not only be leaders but good ambassadors of the church and exhibiting Christian maturity.
How to help the Elderly
The elderly needs care as the body age, which makes it become prone to medical conditions. As a matter of fact, aging cannot be prevented but we can learn how to deal with some of the challenges of the elderly. In the western world, most elderly people are left at care homes or nursing homes. In contrast, the older persons live with their families in Nigeria. With the modern changes in household living, the elderly and their families face challenges of coping with their physical and psychosocial health status. These challenges include increased demand for medical services; changes in family dynamics; increased economic stress & increased functional dependence.
We can offer practical help such as helping them with tasks that they cannot do; picking up their prescriptions and medicine; helping them to shop; accompanying them to their hospital appointments; helping them or lifting them to church; assisting them with their phones to call or write messages and above all providing them with financial help, among others.
In the church the elderly should be respected and adored in order to beef up their ego. It is believed that an old man is blessed. This is evidenced in Psalm 71:18, which says “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come”. Also in Psalm 46:1, the elderly are reminded that God is always with them, no matter what: “God is their refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble”. This will remind them that no matter how the situations seem to be, they can continuously learn to lean on God for Strength and Guidance.
The church and their individual families should help them to achieve the expectations of God in their life. The bible spells out that they should be peacemakers, prayer warriors, teachers, leaders by example and decision makers. (Acts 15:1-2; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrew 13:17; & Acts 6: 2-4). The Elders can achieve these if given the opportunity because they possess life time experiences.
Above all, we should try as much as possible to provide the following important needs to the elderly: personal care; proper nutrition and exercise; provision of funds; managing their medical care; and making them stay mobile. Celebrate the elderly around you!!!
Prof. Mrs Ngozi Eze U.N.N