Aging in America – Part 3: Growing Old Gracefully

Getting older is a natural progression of life. As your body changes, you may find yourself slowing down or unable to do things you used to do. Instead of focusing on what you cannot do, focus on what you can do and explore new ways to do tasks.

Eleanor Roosevelt stated that “…beautiful old people are works of art.” Works of art require skill, time, and creative effort. To age gracefully, you must be intentional in the way you think, believing you still have life to live and want to live it to the full. “But the godly will flourish like palm trees…Even in old age, they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” Psalm 92:12, 14 (NLT)

To be graceful means to be agile, mirroring God’s character, an outward expression of divine grace which is pleasing to God and beneficial to others, allowing God to work through you by displaying forgiveness, kindness, and wisdom. God will give us strength and direction to achieve this if we look to Him.

Although you may be in a different season: retired, empty nester, still working but burned out, divorced, widowed, whatever your story, you have purpose, but it may look different now. “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NLT) Even though we change and grow, God is unchanging and faithful.

I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. – Is. 46:4 (NLT)

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. – Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

He will provide strength and guidance to help you grow old gracefully. Still, you must be responsible and intentional in your choices. Focusing on others, exploring new interests, cultivating gratitude and acceptance, and tackling long-awaited projects help you maintain a sense of purpose and an optimistic outlook, which will help you live your senior years with grace and joy.

Focus on others

Along your pathway of life, you will observe that you are not the only traveler. Others need your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save. – Thomas Monson

We are called to encourage one another and to be in community together, to pour into the lives of others. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) says, “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.”

There are opportunities to meet and be in community with others in church, at a gym, at a senior center, and through various clubs and organizations. While these opportunities abound, you must reach out and be initiative-taking. For some, this is stepping out of your comfort zone.

Each of us has our own unique story worth sharing with others, not only with your generation, but also by investing in the lives of younger generations and by sharing your wisdom and life experience.

Remember what Psalm 71:17-18 (NLT) instructs us to do: “O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”

As we age, we should look for opportunities to share the wisdom and knowledge we have gained from living. You may think you have nothing to share, but consider the younger generations and remember your journey, the things you wish you knew, and how you now see that some mistakes could have been avoided.

Explore new interests

C.S. Lewis wrote that “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Step out and learn something new. As we move through life, there are different seasons: childhood, teen years, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood. Each season has its challenges and successes, sorrows, and joys.

Through each stage of life, you continue to grow and learn by using the gifts God has given you. But each stage is unique- molding and shaping us. Going from discovering who you are and your hopes and dreams for the future, to adulting and the responsibilities of a career and raising a family, then to retirement and empty nesting.

It is essential to learn from your mistakes and successes to embrace new opportunities. You are never too old to learn; in fact, you should be learning throughout your lifetime. Allowing for God’s refinement in you. “The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” Prov 20:29 (NLT)

New interests may include taking classes to learn to cook gourmet meals, a new hobby, tapping into your artistic side by taking art classes, going to or leading a book club, learn to play a sport like pickleball or golf, traveling, going on picnics or walks in the park, or working puzzles. Participate in activities that engage your mind.

Engage in gratitude and acceptance

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT

Focusing on gratitude helps you see the positive things in life. Start a gratitude journal by writing things that you are thankful for each day.

Entries may include waking up in the morning, a warm cup of coffee, the laughter of a child, or the bloom of your favorite flower. Even in difficult situations, we can still be thankful for God’s goodness and faithfulness. Take time to be still, meditating on God’s Word and communing with Him in prayer.

Accept that aging is a normal, lifelong process; be at peace and don’t fight it; don’t dwell on the challenges and limitations. Embrace the season you are in. You will have to learn new ways to do things. It may take you longer to do things than when you were younger, but that is okay.

As you age, changes occur in your body, with a few more aches and pains, or a mind that is not as clear. You move a little slower, but you keep going by making healthier choices in eating and exercise, keeping your mind sharp.

There are benefits to aging. In his forties, my husband’s friend and mentor said to him that the best part about being sixty is that you can watch a movie for the first time every thirty days.

Tackle long-awaited projects

The books not read, the yard project undone, the needlework not completed, the relationship left broken or strained, or the golf courses left not played. How good would it feel to say: those pictures I’ve been meaning to organize since 1980? Got it done. Completing these tasks gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Do it with others by including children, grandchildren, siblings, or friends. Not only can you accomplish some of the things you have put off doing, but it also gives you time to fellowship with others- sharing joys, catching up, living life together.

Focusing on others gives you a sense of purpose. Exploring new interests gets you more involved in life. Engaging in gratitude and acceptance improves your outlook and overall attitude, and tackling those long-awaited projects empowers you. Putting these things into practice boosts enthusiasm for life.

The more energized and optimistic you feel, the more you will express your gratitude to God. Thank Him for all the wondrous things he has bestowed upon you. That gratitude will help determine whether you grow old gracefully or just grow old.

If you are struggling in your current season of life, consider talking with a Christian counselor.