Tag: Contentment

Transitions that Need our Attention

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Transitions are a common theme during older adulthood. Multiple resources, including those from ALOA, provide helpful suggestions to successfully face retirement, relocation, loss and other milestones.

Man Smiling

However, transitions on a smaller scale are often dismissed. After all, by the time we are 60 or 70, we know so much! All this wisdom must include how to break into a new social circle, correct?

And yet attending a new Bible class or activity can be an emotional challenge. “Fitting in” takes more time and energy when social groups are already formed.

Highlighting a new activity on the calendar is the easy part. The tougher issue is moving through the initial awkwardness and fear of rejection. These emotions lower our capacity to cope with the underlying question: “Will they like me?”

Years ago, we asked this same question after moving to a new grade level or job. At that time, we were reminded to “just smile.” That’s good advice at any age. Smiling eases the first step for everyone, because we are influenced by the emotions of others.

When facing a new social situation, apply these two principles:

  1. Acceptance predictor:  People become friendlier when you assume the other person likes you.
  2. Inferred attraction:  Show people you like them and value them.

And remember:  S-M-I-L-E

Check out this video to find out more about being content in our later years.

Contentment_play video

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

Collective Effervescence

Dr. Mary Manz Simon, ALOA Board of Directors

Chair Exercise group

Do you sing in the choir? Participate in a chair exercise class? Attend local theater performances with neighbors?

Each of those socially-based activities – and many more! – offer a bonus benefit called “collective effervescence.”

When joy spreads from person to person, we refuel through the emotions of others. Often, we aren’t aware that of that transmission of feelings

Connecting with others becomes increasingly important as we age. Our social circle shrinks. Many older adults find making new friends becomes more difficult.

Try these 3 suggestions to make individual connections that can blossom into a larger social circle:

  • Pay attention to others. Although I grew up on the streets of Chicago which had plenty of people, it took years to break the urban habit of walking with my head down. Valuing time alone or wearing ear buds is fine, but try smiling when you see a face.
  • Be willing to open up. We’ve had years of experience making polite conversation. But go deeper. Don’t only talk about what you are doing; share how you are feeling. As we age, it’s easy to feel we’re the only one who deals with the fear of losing independence. Sharing struggles reminds us we don’t face the issues alone.
  • Make time for others. We are acutely aware that each day is a gift from God. Simply scheduling medical appointments can take hours! Prioritize people. Set time on the calendar to phone a friend. Save the Date and plan to attend ALOA’s 30th Anniversary celebration in Tampa on Saturday, November 5 to experience “collective effervescence!”
Contentment_play video

Check out this video for a faith-filled perspective on contentment for older adults.

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