Intergenerational – Adult Lutherans Organized for Action

Trend Spotting

Dr. Mary Manz Simon,
ALOA Board of Directors

Trend-spotters crawl out of the woodwork at this time every year.

Since the pandemic, the general public has paid more attention to these observations. After all, we have learned through experience that societal and cultural shifts can dramatically impact everyday life.

However, trends are merely a collection of impressions and reflections unless they offer insights that are significant to you.

As we prepare to begin 2024, which of these emerging trends are shaping your journey through aging?

Technology expands options to stay longer in our own homes. Wearable devices, telehealth and smart homes allow more older adults to stay in their own homes later in life. Are you among the three-quarters of Americans above the age of 50 who want to age More than 78 percent of older adult living communities are pet-friendly. Some facilities, especially memory care sites, even offer automated fur babies which offer health benefits without care responsibilities. Are you a pet owner?
Eco-friendly design options are increasingly popular. Choosing sustainable practices is especially important for older adults on a fixed income. In what ways do you prioritize energy efficiency, upcycling or other types of eco-sensitive living?
Active aging has surged. Preventing “functional decline” through health and wellness initiatives can redefine our later years. In what ways do you reject the stereotype of aging as “sitting in a rocking chair?”
More grandparents are raising grandchildren. The most recent census revealed that an increasing number of grandparents are primary caregivers for grandchildren. This lifestyle change dramatically moves beyond mere multigenerational living. Do you know an older adult who is raising grandchildren?
The “attention economy” stretches into a 24-hour day. Time becomes increasingly precious as we age. With the explosion of content and communication options, “cultural noise” and distractions are ever present. What influences how you invest your time?
Remote work expands possibilities for older adults. Instead of retiring, some older adults continue to be employed through the pandemic “spinoff” of flexible work environments. How many older adults in your friend-group still earn a paycheck?

Check out this video to find out more about how life stages impact the ways in which we share values.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

A New Way to Vacay?

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Seeking a summer getaway?

Older couple on hike with mountain in the background

Although you might not become an international backpacker, travel among older adults is “bouncing back” according to AARP.

A post-pandemic desire to get away will fill planes and resort destinations in coming months. Even without this “bump” in travel among the general population, senior tourism has been growing.

As you plan a summer itinerary, consider “vacationing with a purpose,” which is ideal for older adults:

Learning adventures. Look for experiential or university-based options that build on personal interests but combine learning with fun. Even cross-cultural opportunities might be available locally. Mental activity feeds healthy brains at all ages.
Volunteering. Helping others or engaging in projects that benefit Planet Earth can be empowering. “When I want to improve myself, I volunteer,” commented one older adult. Giving of yourself while on vacation can be transformative.
Wellness tourism. Self-healing journeys and preventative health programs have always been popular categories in senior tourism. A post-pandemic uptick in mental health programs means opportunities for older adults are expanding beyond chair yoga retreats.
Cross-generational family travel. The desire to make memories with adult children, grandchildren and extended family members has re-energized the traditional reunion at a camp. The gift of time together can be a never-forgotten blessing.

And if there’s a nagging question lurking around, “Am I selfish to want a vacation?” remember that even Jesus went away to get reenergized.* Although burrowing at home can feel safe and cozy, God created an entire world to explore.

We’re never too old to discover more about ourselves, others and His Creation.

*Luke 4:15, Matthew 14:22-23, Luke 6: 12-13, Mark 6:30-32, Mark 7:24

Check out this video to find out 3 tips to dramatically affect our physical and mental well being as we age.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Maximize the Moments

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Our legacy becomes increasingly important as we age.

Although some older adults spend days deciding who will get the family china, others turn in a different direction. They focus on the impact of their legacy.

That makes sense. After all, there are more days behind us than ahead. Time is precious.

Take these four steps to maximize the moments:

Prioritize. What matters the most to you?
To transmit Christian virtues to the next generation, prioritize praying for your grandchildren by name every day. To ease the transition of the church visitation program to a new leader, write a leader’s manual. To comfort friends who are grieving, sign-up for an e-card service or buy a box of stationary. Invest in what’s important.
Remember the why. Connect the goal to the meaning.
Remind yourself why your legacy matters. This mental process increases the “stickiness.” We stay motivated when we reflect on the reason we pray daily for that teenage neighbor or plug away at downsizing. Focus on the core purpose to prevent a wandering mind.
Be realistic. Approach goals in a way that makes sense.
As we move through the “Go go, Slow go and No go” seasons of aging, it becomes harder to meet long term goals. We need more frequent “wins” to keep us engaged. Be realistic by building micro-habits.
Breaking big plans into more do-able segments makes it quicker to meet goals. We stay motivated when the starting point and finish line are close together.
Serve. Our legacy will be reflected in those we help.
Although it’s tempting to feel “been there, done that” when asked to serve, we bring years of experience. We aren’t competing anymore; we can celebrate the power of collaboration. We know how to mentor. The legacy of others is now reflected in our own lives. Our influence is magnified when we serve.

Check out this video to consider how our definition of old age naturally changes as we enter the “post adult” years.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

The Sound of Silence

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

We rarely hear a baby cry in church.

The silence is deafening. But perhaps I’m missing the message.

Listen. Can you, too, hear the clarion call?

The shofar isn’t blowing at the base of Mount Sinai. The trumpet isn’t blasting outside the walls of Jericho, but the message of the psalmist comes across the centuries:

O my people, listen to my instructions.
   Open your ears to what I am saying,
   for I will speak to you in a parable.
I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—
   stories we have heard and known,
   stories our ancestors handed down to us.
We will not hide these truths from our children;
   we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders. (Psalm 78:1-4, NLT)

As older adults, we must listen. We must “open our ears,” for we have been called to “tell the next generation…about the Lord.”

You and I are nearing the end of our earthy journey with Jesus. Before the Lord’s amazing work in our lives gets muddled by the fog of time, we have been called “to tell the next generation.”

For years, we have journeyed with Jesus. Our witness has authenticity. Our words ooze realness. Those countless conversations with God have validity and legitimacy for the generations that follow. Mission fields are open, as conveniently located as the back yard and the apartment next door.

Scripture implies that mature believers like those of us who have experienced God’s greatness, will impact spiritual growth that leads to maturity for those who come after us. Faith formation occurs naturally in an inclusive community that engages people of all ages, like a family or neighborhood.

Today will soon be tomorrow. The children’s books in the box at my feet are ready to be shared. I need to email encouragement to our 16-year-old grandson. I want to reach out to the mom who emailed earlier today. I long for the Holy Spirit to come through what I do and say today, because I feel the urgency.

Can you sense the immediacy of the moment?

Check out this video for more encouragement to share your faith story with the next generations.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Our Hidden God

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Where have you seen God today?

That’s a valid question during these turbulent times. If we think too hard about the challenges associated with aging or inflation, even the most optimistic person can become discouraged.

Viewing each day through a concept identified by Martin Luther can shift the perspective. Luther referred to our “Hidden God.” He wasn’t saying that God isn’t revealed through the glorious Strawberry Moon of June or the Scriptures we read daily. Luther was contrasting our expectations with how God actually works.

We tend to be like Elijah, who sought God in powerful acts of nature. We too, look for God in the milestone moments. But Luther noted that the Bible overflows with examples of how our “Hidden God” worked through ordinary people and everyday situations.

When our children were growing up, we shared daily “God sightings” at our dinner table. We simply told how God had been active. Often the moments were less than monumental. However, by looking for God, I believe we all realized how busy God actually was. We grew increasingly more aware of His presence.

As older adults, we only need a brief moment to recall some of the ways God has been present through the years. We remember how even ordinary situations became significant when our “Hidden God” held us in the palm of His hand.

God is still busy. How will He reveal himself to you, today?

Check out this video for more on how our later years often bring a sense of contentment.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

More than “Grandpacore”

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Has your niece or grandchild found inspiration in your closet?

One of the most surprising fashion trends to emerge from the pandemic is being led by Gen Z and Millennials, or those born between 1981 and 2002. According to “experts” on Pinterest and Instagram, dressing like older adults is “totally hot.”

Has that thought crossed your “Grandmillennial” jewelry appeals to younger consumers who are looking for reflections of simpler times. Jewelers are busy resetting inherited heritage pieces or keepsakes which have collected dust for years.

That’s not all. Echoes of “Grandpacore” are evident in the men’s fashion space. Online searches for oversized cardigans, “grandpa sweaters” and relaxed jeans are hitting new heights.

While this unexpected attention to our fashions is rather amusing, ride the wave of remembrance to a point of actual significance. Give young people in your family more than a taste of nostalgia: share your Faith Story.

In March, I presented this topic at Veterans of the Cross, a national conference for retired professional church workers. Even though these Christian servants had spent their lives sharing the Good News, some appeared surprised that in a Faith Story, our personal history actually recedes. God becomes the focus. That’s because God’s faithfulness emerges as the theme. God’s actions through the years powers our Faith Story.

Celebrate what God has done in, with and for you. Share your Faith Story with someone you love.

Check out this video to learn to hear what an impact sharing your Faith Story can have. You’ll find other examples, along with a helpful “How To” Guide for recording your own on our Faith Stories page.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

More Than Memories

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Has that box of old photos been calling you?

You know the one. It’s the heavy bin, nearly overflowing with photos, Kodak slides (remember those?) and random bits from the past.

As the pandemic drags on, finding ways to feel productive has been increasingly difficult for older adults. Socializing safely is nearly impossible as outdoor temperatures drop. Volunteering is still limited. Gray winter days mirror our mood. Perhaps this is the day to drag out that bin. After all, looking back can give us the courage to look ahead.

As we get older, our life stories take on a rosy glow. Researchers tell us there is a positivity bias in aging. This new “strategic memory” leads us to focus on what matters. Quite simply, we can become more aware of God’s footprints.

Life doesn’t fall into neat little categories, so our Christian beliefs and behaviors are woven throughout the years. Reviewing the past through a lens of faith causes us to recall what God has been doing over time. When we look for God’s footprints, we see how busy He has been.

Sorting through the mementos, we might identify a situation in which God steered us through a crisis. Dusting off the photos, we might see how God blessed an important relationship. And through the process, we become more aware of His continuing presence.

Today, let’s step back and notice God, again! For when the Holy Spirit guides our thoughts we won’t merely say, “Thanks, God, for the memories.” We will say with new conviction, “Thank you, God, for your faithfulness.”

Check out this video that considers the surprising level of contentment we generally experience as we get older.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Be a Bethlehem Shepherd!

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

“I miss talking about my faith.”

The 87-year-old who sat across from me usually led devotions for a women’s Bible study at our church. However, pandemic protocols completely disrupted her normal routine. Fortunately, I had good news for my friend.

COVID-19 might limit holiday gatherings, but we can still share the Christmas message. Whether you are 65 or 95, use this 3-step plan to become a modern Bethlehem shepherd:

Pray boldly. Add an intentional, specific request to daily petitions. Ask God for situations and opportunities to witness. Then thank Him, in advance, for the wisdom to approach others with a caring heart.
Pray big. Do 12 people live on your cul-de-sac? Attach a verse from Luke 2 to the Christmas cookies you leave at front doors. Pray that God would expand your vision among non-churched relatives, casual acquaintances, and those with whom you correspond at the holidays.
Pray for courage. It’s tempting to run from opportunities. After all, Lutherans aren’t noted for talking about faith. However, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity.” (1 Timothy 1:7) Trust Him to walk alongside.

At the First Christmas, the shepherds didn’t dash to the nearest synagogue to spread the news that Jesus was born. They told an innkeeper down the street and a traveler coming to town for the census. Generations later, will you connect with similar people in these final days before Christmas?

Will you be a “Bethlehem shepherd” this year? Will you share the Good News that “Jesus is born”?

Check out this video to find out more about the unique perspective we have as older adults.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

The Friendship Bench

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Our church bell choir needed more space, so two pews were moved out of the worship space to the narthex. Those rarely used front pews have seen new life as friendship benches.

Seeing older adults naturally gravitate toward those cushy places before and after worship reminds me of a senior ministry in Zimbabwe about which I’d read.

Three hundred elderly women have been trained to serve as lay health workers in The Friendship Project. These “community grandmothers” sit outside clinics where they listen, talk people through their problems and encourage solutions. Even before the pandemic, research showed that social support methods of care can be effective for helping people deal with mental health issues. These trained women, who have available time and years of life experience, can make a difference.

This idea made me wonder if one of the pews in our narthex could be designated as a prayer pew. A member of the prayer team, composed almost entirely of older adults, could sit on the pew each weekend to pray with others.

Of course, congregations that intentionally skew their image, budget and programming to attract young families might feel “planting” a senior in such a visible position could lead visitors to think “this is a church for the elderly.” However, having older adults welcome guests and appear in communication pieces doesn’t imply a congregation is only for the elderly. We need the young, but can’t forget the old.

Does your congregation present a cross-generational public face? Are initiatives for older adults fully funded? Does programming for older adults match the senior population in your church and community?

Installing a Friendship Bench or asking older adults to staff a prayer pew might trigger other initiatives to expand older adult ministry.

Check out this video to find out more how older adults have a unique advantage in listening to and helping others.

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.

Uplifted During the Pandemic

Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Is there reason to be feeling uplifted during this crisis?

Absolutely!

Not only is God active, He’s busy! Each of us can list numerous ways we’ve seen God at work among us.

I’m encouraged by the recently released 2020 Passion Points Study. Although neither older adults nor Christian teaching is the focus of this annual research, a single line in this year’s study jumped out: “One result of the pandemic is an increasing desire to celebrate and preserve family traditions.”

Perhaps COVID-19 has made even those in younger generations more aware of mortality. But whatever the reason, the study indicated that legacy thinking is heading downward. The emotional wiring of younger generations is changing.

Can you catch a glimpse of the opportunity? Family members might be longing to hear about the good old days, and this time, they’ll listen! During these uncertain times, we can be inspired to learn how ancestors coped with a disaster, problem or personal tragedy.

As older adults, we’ve lived through tough issues. However, we are living proof the family survived. Hope and optimism are bundled into every family legacy.

Scientists tell us that emotion enhances memory and feelings activate the brain. Even if your memory is foggy, reach back to remember a situation or incident when you felt something. Then share that story. Resilience and the certainty of God’s promises will shine as your empathy connects and communicates.

And that’s critical, because your story reflects how God’s story is being revealed even during this crisis.

Which important relationships can you strengthen during this unexpected season?

Take a look at previous posts for more inspiration for older adult ministry.