Senior Ministry - Sunrise Assisted Living
Cornerstone
has been involved for over three years in ministry to the seniors at Sunrise
Assisted Living in
Each week
we travel to the Assisted Living facility and have a regular Bible study. (The
residents there call it Church.) The evening begins with singing of hymns and
choruses. Then we use a DVD Bible to help the residents focus on the message.
This is followed by a fifteen-minute discussion and prayer time.
This
ministry has blessed all those who attend, and there is a regular average
attendance of 18-25. We have also prayed for serious needs with some of the residents.
The Bible study is open to all and there are many different religions
represented – including Jewish.
On special
occasions other members of the congregation assist. Each Christmas The Filipino
choir sings for them and they love it! This year with a backdrop of falling
snow, the choir was like a living “Christmas Carol.”
Pastor Jack comments, “This is a very “simple” ministry and I would encourage other believers to offer their time and service to assisted living and nursing home facilities around the country.”
Ten Goals for Senior Adults
1. Admit you are a senior adult. In many cultures those over fifty are highly esteemed. Look for ways to honor those who are older than you, setting precedence for the younger generation.
2. Assess your past and prepare for the future. Consider how God has provided spiritually for you and determine now to begin or continue your relationship with Him.
3. Avail yourself of education regarding health issues. Many communities and medical centers provide free screenings and classes to keep you aware of symptoms and treatment before they become serious.
4. Accompany older senior adults to activities and doctors' visits. Your help is invaluable to them, and you will learn from their experiences how to enhance your own life as a senior.
5. Allow yourself to set new priorities and commitments. Determine what is important to you and approach these ideals with a renewed commitment of achievement.
6. Account for your financial status and goals. Examine your insurance policies, bank accounts, wills, and trusts and decide what you can do to enhance your finances for the future.
7. Attend activities provided by your church and community. Fellowship with others stimulates the mind and eliminates self-pity.
8. Approach others and encourage them to attend senior adult classes and activities. You will add to your circle of friends and benefit both you and them.
9. Analyze anxieties and give them to God. His assurance of care and peace allows you to mature spiritually.
10. Anticipate all God has for you as a senior adult and become aware of the blessing you can be to others.
The World's Graying Population
- There are 600 million people older than 60, a number that is projected to triple over the next 50 years to 2 billion.
- By 2050, the number of people older than 60 will exceed the number of children younger than 14 for the first time in history.
- The population of people older than 60 is growing by 2 percent each year, considerably faster than the general population.
- The fastest growing group is those 80 years or older. Now, one in 10 people are in the group; by the middle of the century, one in five will be in the category.
- In 2000, nearly twice as many women as men were older than 80 and nearly five times as many women as men were older than 100.
Senior Adult Resources
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Renew Your Faith
Tired of the same old stuff? Make an effort to renew your relationship with God. -
Prayer
How do YOU pray? -
Grandma's House
Willing to reach out to students who need grandparents? -
Change Happens
Stuck in the same old rut? Open your heart to change and see what God has for you. -
What to Expect in a Nursing Home Atmosphere
Helpful advice before heading into the nursing homes to minister.
