JANUARY 2017 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT A MESSAGE FROM
DON MEADOR PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
WELL-BEING AND SENIOR ADULTS BY SUSAN C. JONES, M.A., CRC, LMFT-S Executive Director, Grace Point Counseling Center, The Woodlands UMC Years ago, the elderly were often pictured sitting on the porch in their rocking chairs. Now they may be in a Zumba class and volunteering at concerts! Also, they are living at least ten years longer than before. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that between 2015 and 2050 those over 60 will double, from 12% to 22%. Senior adults make significant contributions to society, as family members, volunteers, and as active participants in the workforce. Mental health and emotional well-being are as important in older age as at any other time in life. Abigail Trafford, author of My Time: Making the Most of the Rest of your Life, states, “those who age well are the ones who develop their creativity, find ways to serve their communities and help others, and despite losses, keep and forge strong relationships. Having a purpose and being connected to others are essential factors for happiness and well-being.” As many senior adults do enjoy a full and rewarding life, some experience physical and mental disorders with depression being particularly prevalent. Depression, however, is not a normal part of aging. Multiple losses, role changes, loneliness and social isolation contribute to depression. Depression is serious and professional counseling should be considered. Many seniors today are much more intentional about their well-being. Many activities-group exercise, music, educational and social events are cognitively stimulating and promote relationship interaction thereby helping to reduce isolation. Growing also in popularity are intergenerational events. The sharing of each life story is most rewarding. Deepening faith and continuing to grow spiritually contribute to a purposeful and meaningful life. As has been noted:
Welcome to another new year! As senior adults we’ve been able to say “Happy New Year!” many times. And aren’t we grateful to be able to say it once again? Surely we are excited about the New Year and what it holds for us. As Susan Jones says in her article on this page, “To live well is to age well, to age well is to live well.” It is a joy to be in ministry with so many wonderful senior adults who are “aging well and living well.” May God bless us all throughout the New Year. As we strive to deepen our faith, to grow spiritually, and to serve others in Christ’s name, we will continue to discover the key to a purposeful, meaningful, and joy-filled life. May God’s peace, love, and joy abide with you and sustain you every moment of every day of the coming year. Your friend,
This piece was used in a recent Sunday School lesson taught in the Friendship Class by Bill Scott. Several people have requested it. Adapted fom
WHEN GOD SAYS NO by Anonymous
I ask God to take away my habit, God said No, it is not for me to take away, but for you to give up. I ask God to grant me patience, God said No. Patience is a by product of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned. I ask God to give me happiness, God said No, I give you blessings; happiness is up to you.
Today we are older than yesterday. Today we are younger than we are going to be tomorrow. To live well is to age well. To age well is to live well.
I ask God to spare me pain. God said No, suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me.
BECAUSE YOU SHOULDN’T GO THROUGH LIFE’S CHALLENGES ALONE gracepointcenter.com
I ask God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said No, I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.