God's Solutions for Today's Problems #21

Our passage from the Word of God today is Psalms 71:18. It reads, “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”

Our quote for today is from Craig D. Lounsbrough. He said, “We forget that 'old' in age typically does not mean 'old' in terms of relevance.”

Our problem today is "The Problem of Aging in Your Life" (part 4) from the book, "The Guide to Biblical Counseling" by Dr. Tim Clinton and Dr. Ron Hawkins.

Today, we will offer some Action Steps for both the Older Person and the Caregiver:

For the Older Person

Poor health and the loss of independence are not the inevitable consequences of growing older. To preserve health and independence, older persons should consider the following strategies:

1. Have Medical Screenings
Screening to detect diseases early, when they are most treatable, saves many lives. Older adults should be encouraged to participate in recommended screenings.

2. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is more influential than one's genes in helping older people avoid the decline traditionally associated with aging.

3. Get Immunizations
Flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, and other important immunizations will reduce your risk for hospitalization and death from illness.

4. Take Steps to Prevent Injury
Falling is the most common cause of injury with older adults. More than one-third of adults 65 and over fall each year, and of those 20-30 percent suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce mobility and independence, says the CDC. Remove tripping hazards in your home and install grab bars in key areas, like bathrooms. These simple measures will significantly reduce your chances of falling.

5. Attend Programs that Teach Self-Management
Consider finding programs to teach older Americans self-management techniques. These programs help older adults cope with and manage the transitions of their later years.

2 Corinthians 4:16 says, "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."

In 2005, the expectancy was at 77.8 years. The difference between male and female life expectanct remained at 5.2 years more for females.

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