{"id":6831,"date":"2020-07-10T12:06:25","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T17:06:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/?p=6831"},"modified":"2020-07-13T11:03:44","modified_gmt":"2020-07-13T16:03:44","slug":"3-ways-older-adults-can-still-serve-others-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/2020\/07\/10\/3-ways-older-adults-can-still-serve-others-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways Older Adults Can Still Serve Others During COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For several months now, we have heard that older adults are among the most vulnerable when it comes to COVID-19. Nursing homes have been on lock-down, friends and family are encouraging loved ones to stay home and get groceries delivered, and visits are occurring through windows. Even as restrictions are loosening and churches begin to re-gather, older adults may be some of the last to return to in-person activities.<\/p>\n

During COVID-19, it is imperative that older adults find ways to serve others with their time and experience. Research supports that having purpose and a reason to get out of bed in the morning is a key to successful aging. More importantly, as Christ-followers, we never reach an age where God no longer has a purpose for our lives. If we are still drawing breath, our lives still have meaning.<\/p>\n

So how do we mobilize older adults to make a difference even while remaining socially distant?<\/p>\n

1. Consider how their skills, hobbies, and interests can be used for ministry.<\/strong> Nearly all of us have heard of women (and maybe some men, too) sewing masks for hospitals, first responders, community organizations, and friends and family. This communicates love, care, and hope for so many in the community. And while the sewing and assembly may be done privately in one\u2019s home, those helping know that they are a part of a team working together to provide masks for organizations in need.<\/p>\n

Operation Christmas Child sends millions of shoeboxes full of gifts to children around the world who would otherwise not receive anything. As a part of the shoebox delivery, children are told about the love and hope found in Jesus. There are many gifts that can be made and assembled from home to insert in these boxes. Project ideas include (but are not limited to) making necklaces out of beads, building small wooden toys, assembling fishing kits, making a homemade tic-tac-toe game, sewing hand puppets, or painting wooden tops. These toys and simple gifts could also be donated to homeless shelters, Boys and Girls clubs, or other youth organizations.<\/p>\n

Joint activities, like those mentioned above, encourage a feeling of community and togetherness. Even though people may be working on the project in the privacy of their own home, there is a sense of camaraderie and the knowledge that they are contributing to something greater than themselves.<\/p>\n

Taking this further, leaders can give regular updates of the total amount of masks made or toys built and how many people this is serving in the community and world.<\/p>\n

In addition to what can be made, consider what skill an older adult could teach. With the use of Facetime, Skype or Zoom, older adults can lead a weekly class with their grandchildren or other young people on a variety of topics. I know of a grandma who is teaching journalism to her grandchildren via Zoom and they are even producing a simple family newsletter.<\/p>\n

2. Look for opportunities for older adults to share wisdom & encouragement.<\/strong> Older adults are the best positioned guides to help others navigate this difficult time in our nation and world because they have the life experience of surviving through past crises. Shortly after COVID-19 hit and social-distancing went into effect, I interviewed several older adults about past moments in their lives that compare to today\u2019s pandemic. One woman in her 80s recalled the nervous feelings she felt as a young wife and soon to be mom during the time of the Cuban missile crisis. Her husband was traveling for work at the time and she recalled that a co-worker and friend offered to let her sleep at her home, so as not to be alone. Other older adults I talked to remembered seeing signs hanging in the windows of homes in their neighborhoods indicating that particular homes were quarantined because someone living there had the measles, chicken pox, or another illness.<\/p>\n

Because of their life experience, older adults can offer some of the best advice right now: \u201cTake comfort in the fact that we are all in this together,\u201d \u201cYou are not alone,\u201d and \u201cThis too shall pass.\u201d<\/p>\n

A church in the southeast recognized what their older adults had to offer and mobilized them to write letters and cards of encouragement to the church\u2019s high school seniors. Due to COVID-19, these young people (as well as millions across the nation) are grieving the loss of traditional graduation celebrations, school proms, and other meaningful traditions. What a gift to read words from an older adult who has also walked through hard times and cares about what these young people are experiencing and is praying for them.<\/p>\n

Another church made packets of greeting cards available for older church members to pick up at the church so that they would not have to go into a store. They were encouraged to write notes to other church members and friends and deliver them back to the church to be mailed.<\/p>\n

3. Seize the time for older adults to capture their legacy.<\/strong> Now is the perfect time to gather the life stories of older adults. With people limiting their activities and staying home more, the opportunity is available to make a phone call or set up a zoom meeting to ask questions and learn the rich history of older relatives or older people in the community. It\u2019s a great activity for young people to do with their grandparents or children and teenagers to do with older members in their church.<\/p>\n

Scripture reminds us over and over of the importance of one generation passing on their faith and wisdom to the next generation. Psalm 78:4 says, \u201c\u2026we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.\u201d It doesn\u2019t necessarily require a young person setting up an interview with an older adult. An older adult can initiate the process. I have interacted with many older people who have written down or made an audio or video recording of their personal stories to share with family and friends.<\/p>\n

A quick search on the internet with key words like \u201cwriting your legacy\u201d or \u201cquestions for interviewing family\u201d can serve as a guide. There are many books available with writing prompts and interview questions as well.<\/p>\n

Some questions to consider before getting started:<\/p>\n

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  • What is your birthday? And where were you born?<\/li>\n
  • How did you learn to drive? What was your first car like?<\/li>\n
  • What is one of your most memorable vacations?<\/li>\n
  • Tell me about your earliest faith experience.<\/li>\n
  • What is a Bible verse or biblical story that has been especially meaningful to you? Why?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    While social-distancing definitely has its challenges, there are still many ways that older adults can have a significant impact with their lives. No matter what our age, let\u2019s all work together, (even though we may be apart) to make a difference in our communities and our world!<\/p>\n

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    Dr. Amy Hanson is a speaker, writer, and consultant with a passion to help older adults discover a life of Christ-centered meaning and purpose. She speaks throughout the United States to pastors, health care professionals, and older adults on the unique needs and opportunities of a graying America. Amy has a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Bible and Family Ministry from Manhattan Christian College, a Master\u2019s degree in Gerontology from Abilene Christian University, and a Ph.D. in Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska. She teaches several aging courses at the college-level and has conducted research on volunteerism among older adults in the church.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"excerpt","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":6832,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,1,140],"tags":[1260,1266,1253,1051,1267],"class_list":{"0":"post-6831","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-discipleship-ministries","8":"category-general","9":"category-senior-adults","10":"tag-1260","11":"tag-amy-hanson","12":"tag-covid-19-response","13":"tag-iphc-discipleship-ministries","14":"tag-older-adults","15":"entry"},"title_es":"3 formas en que los adultos mayores a\u00fan pueden servir a otros durante COVID-19","content_es":"Desde hace varios meses, hemos escuchado que los adultos mayores se encuentran entre los m\u00e1s vulnerables cuando se trata de COVID-19. Los hogares de ancianos han estado cerrados, los amigos y la familia est\u00e1n alentando a sus seres queridos a quedarse en casa y entregar los alimentos, y las visitas se realizan a trav\u00e9s de las ventanas. Aun cuando las restricciones se est\u00e1n aflojando y las iglesias comienzan a reunirse nuevamente, los adultos mayores pueden ser algunos de los \u00faltimos en regresar a las actividades en persona. Durante COVID-19, es imperativo que los adultos mayores encuentren formas de servir a otros con su tiempo y experiencia. La investigaci\u00f3n respalda que tener un prop\u00f3sito y una raz\u00f3n para levantarse de la cama por la ma\u00f1ana es la clave para un envejecimiento exitoso. M\u00e1s importante a\u00fan, como seguidores de Cristo, nunca llegamos a una edad en la que Dios ya no tiene un prop\u00f3sito para nuestras vidas. Si todav\u00eda estamos respirando, nuestras vidas a\u00fan tienen sentido. Entonces, \u00bfc\u00f3mo movilizamos a los adultos mayores para que marquen la diferencia, aun siendo socialmente distantes?\r\n

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    1. Considere c\u00f3mo se pueden usar sus habilidades, pasatiempos e intereses para el ministerio.<\/strong> Casi todos hemos o\u00eddo hablar de mujeres (y quiz\u00e1s tambi\u00e9n de algunos hombres) que cosen m\u00e1scaras para hospitales, personal de primeros auxilios, organizaciones comunitarias y amigos y familiares. Esto comunica amor, cuidado y esperanza para muchos en la comunidad. Y aunque la costura y el ensamblaje se pueden hacer de forma privada en la casa de uno, quienes ayudan a saber que son parte de un equipo que trabaja en conjunto para proporcionar m\u00e1scaras para las organizaciones que lo necesitan. Operation Christmas Child env\u00eda millones de cajas de zapatos llenas de regalos a ni\u00f1os de todo el mundo que de otro modo no recibir\u00edan nada. Como parte de la entrega de la caja de zapatos, se les dice a los ni\u00f1os sobre el amor y la esperanza que se encuentran en Jes\u00fas. Hay muchos regalos que se pueden hacer y ensamblar desde casa para insertar en estas cajas. Las ideas del proyecto incluyen (pero no se limitan a) hacer collares de cuentas, construir peque\u00f1os juguetes de madera, armar kits de pesca, hacer un juego casero de tres en raya, coser t\u00edteres de manos o pintar tapas de madera. Estos juguetes y regalos simples tambi\u00e9n podr\u00edan donarse a refugios para personas sin hogar, clubes de ni\u00f1os y ni\u00f1as u otras organizaciones juveniles. Las actividades conjuntas, como las mencionadas anteriormente, fomentan un sentimiento de comunidad y uni\u00f3n. Aunque las personas pueden estar trabajando en el proyecto en la privacidad de su propio hogar, existe una sensaci\u00f3n de camarader\u00eda y el conocimiento de que est\u00e1n contribuyendo a algo m\u00e1s grande que ellos mismos. Yendo m\u00e1s all\u00e1, los l\u00edderes pueden brindar actualizaciones peri\u00f3dicas de la cantidad total de m\u00e1scaras hechas o juguetes construidos y cu\u00e1ntas personas est\u00e1 sirviendo en la comunidad y el mundo.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

      Adem\u00e1s de lo que se puede hacer, considere qu\u00e9 habilidad podr\u00eda ense\u00f1ar un adulto mayor. Con el uso de Facetime, Skype o Zoom, los adultos mayores pueden dirigir una clase semanal con sus nietos u otros j\u00f3venes sobre una variedad de temas. S\u00e9 de una abuela que est\u00e1 ense\u00f1ando periodismo a sus nietos a trav\u00e9s de Zoom e incluso est\u00e1n produciendo un simple bolet\u00edn familiar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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      1. Busque oportunidades para que los adultos mayores compartan sabidur\u00eda y aliento.<\/strong> Los adultos mayores son las gu\u00edas mejor posicionadas para ayudar a otros a navegar este momento dif\u00edcil en nuestra naci\u00f3n y el mundo porque tienen la experiencia vital de sobrevivir a crisis pasadas. Poco despu\u00e9s de que entr\u00f3 en vigencia el \u00e9xito de COVID-19 y el distanciamiento social, entrevist\u00e9 a varios adultos mayores sobre momentos pasados en sus vidas que se comparan con la pandemia de hoy. Una mujer de unos 80 a\u00f1os record\u00f3 los sentimientos nerviosos que sent\u00eda cuando era una joven esposa y que pronto ser\u00eda mam\u00e1 durante la crisis de los misiles cubanos. Su esposo viajaba por trabajo en ese momento y ella record\u00f3 que un compa\u00f1ero de trabajo y una amiga le ofrecieron dejarla dormir en su casa, para no estar sola. Otros adultos mayores con los que habl\u00e9 recordaron haber visto carteles colgados en las ventanas de las casas de sus vecindarios que indicaban que ciertas casas estaban en cuarentena porque alguien que viv\u00eda all\u00ed ten\u00eda sarampi\u00f3n, varicela u otra enfermedad. Debido a su experiencia de vida, los adultos mayores pueden ofrecer algunos de los mejores consejos en este momento: \"consu\u00e9lese en el hecho de que todos estamos juntos en esto\", \"no est\u00e1 solo\" y \"esto tambi\u00e9n pasar\u00e1\". Una iglesia en el sureste reconoci\u00f3 lo que sus adultos mayores ten\u00edan para ofrecer y los moviliz\u00f3 para escribir cartas y tarjetas de aliento a los estudiantes de \u00faltimo a\u00f1o de secundaria de la iglesia. Debido a COVID-19, estos j\u00f3venes (as\u00ed como millones en todo el pa\u00eds) est\u00e1n lamentando la p\u00e9rdida de las celebraciones tradicionales de graduaci\u00f3n, los bailes escolares y otras tradiciones significativas. Qu\u00e9 regalo leer las palabras de un adulto mayor que tambi\u00e9n ha pasado por tiempos dif\u00edciles y se preocupa por lo que estos j\u00f3venes est\u00e1n experimentando y est\u00e1 orando por ellos. Otra iglesia puso a disposici\u00f3n paquetes de tarjetas de felicitaci\u00f3n para que los miembros mayores de la iglesia puedan recoger en la iglesia para que no tengan que ir a una tienda. Se les anim\u00f3 a escribir notas a otros miembros y amigos de la iglesia y entregarlos de regreso a la iglesia para que se env\u00eden por correo.<\/li>\r\n \t
      2. Aproveche el tiempo para que los adultos mayores capturen su legado.<\/strong> Ahora es el momento perfecto para reunir las historias de vida de los adultos mayores. Con personas que limitan sus actividades y se quedan m\u00e1s en casa, la oportunidad est\u00e1 disponible para hacer una llamada telef\u00f3nica o programar una reuni\u00f3n ampliada para hacer preguntas y conocer la rica historia de parientes mayores o personas mayores en la comunidad. Es una gran actividad para que los j\u00f3venes hagan con sus abuelos o ni\u00f1os y adolescentes con miembros mayores de su iglesia. Las Escrituras nos recuerdan una y otra vez la importancia de que una generaci\u00f3n transmita su fe y sabidur\u00eda a la siguiente generaci\u00f3n. El Salmo 78: 4 dice: \"... le diremos a la pr\u00f3xima generaci\u00f3n los hechos dignos de alabanza del Se\u00f1or, su poder y las maravillas que ha hecho\". No necesariamente requiere que una persona joven establezca una entrevista con un adulto mayor. Un adulto mayor puede iniciar el proceso. He interactuado con muchas personas mayores que han escrito o hecho una grabaci\u00f3n de audio o video de sus historias personales para compartir con familiares y amigos. Una b\u00fasqueda r\u00e1pida en Internet con palabras clave como \"escribir su legado\" o \"preguntas para entrevistar a la familia\" puede servir como gu\u00eda. Tambi\u00e9n hay muchos libros disponibles con indicaciones de escritura y preguntas de entrevistas. Algunas preguntas a tener en cuenta para comenzar: - \u00bfCu\u00e1l es tu cumplea\u00f1os? \u00bfY donde naciste? - \u00bfC\u00f3mo aprendiste a conducir? \u00bfC\u00f3mo fue tu primer auto? - \u00bfCu\u00e1l es una de tus vacaciones m\u00e1s memorables? - Cu\u00e9ntame sobre tu primera experiencia de fe. - \u00bfQu\u00e9 es un vers\u00edculo b\u00edblico o una historia b\u00edblica que ha sido especialmente significativo para usted? \u00bfPor qu\u00e9?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nSi bien el distanciamiento social definitivamente tiene sus desaf\u00edos, todav\u00eda hay muchas maneras en que los adultos mayores pueden tener un impacto significativo en sus vidas. No importa cu\u00e1l sea nuestra edad, \u00a1trabajemos todos juntos (aunque estemos separados) para marcar la diferencia en nuestras comunidades y nuestro mundo!","author_name":"Amy Hanson","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/07\/DM-Q3.1-Graphic.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4T9u2-1Mb","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6831"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6831\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}