Late adults (65+) are those who’ve been blessed to live a full life. They’ve entered a time of harvest from all they’ve experienced. They are to be highly honoured and not forgotten. They have much wisdom to offer. But here, despair can set in if regret overwhelms. Before you enter this stage, ask yourself, “Will I have lived a meaningful life?” While you live out this phase, ask yourself, “What are the best parts of my life that I can share?” The next generation greatly benefits from the wisdom of its ancestors.
Life ought not be wasted.
-John Piper
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
-Psalm 90:12
Life in this phase, as hard as it is, can be lived with fulfilling reflection.
Whatever has happened in your life to this point, there is something positive to reflect on. If you’ve lived with many regrets, set those regrets aside and search, as for treasure, for what you can be grateful for. If you’ve lived well, finish well also. There is much from your life that you can share.
In your biological family and church family, honour your elders. Spend time with them. Interview them for their life experience and wisdom. Value them.
Let these final years (or decades?) be your best years. Stare death in the face with hopeful joy. Connect with those closest to you. Mend broken fences. Teach, encourage and strengthen others. As Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy towards the end of his life, you can also say,
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Here are some suggestions for finishing your race well:
- Journal to aid your reflection
- Beware of cynicism or arrogance taking away your joy
- You are nearing death so face it with dignity and integrity
- As your body continues to decline, treat it well with regular exercise and beneficial eating habits
- Tell your life story
- Spend time with children and youth for their sake and yours
- Exercise your brain. Examples:
- learn an instrument
- read with a pen in hand
- take up an art such as drawing, painting or crafting
- solve puzzles and problems (the game kind and the real life kind)
- Your habits may seem to be set in stone, but continuing to learn new skills and try new things will add to your enjoyment of life
- List 100 things you’re especially grateful for and make them visible
- If you’ve stayed married to this point, congratulations! Satisfaction in this relationship will likely increase so pour out your best energy for the other.
- Don’t let retirement be an excuse to give up!
- Volunteer often
- Seek leadership opportunities and roles in your community
- Find creative ways to benefit your children, grandchildren or other close family members or church family members:
- write a letter
- babysit
- offer advice, but be careful of meddling
- create something as a gift
- put together a family tree or, even better, learn about genograms
- Continue to find ways to connect with a local church
- Remember that life is greater than you and reflect on God who transcends our understanding
What suggestions would you offer for maximizing the joy in this phase of life?
Lord, thank you for the heritage of our elders.
StevenBourque.com 