It is interesting that the science of gerontology now recognises that spirituality can help older people hold onto the positives of old age, adjust and cope with the stresses of life and recover from illness and bereavement.

It is suggested that faith and spirituality enable older people to manage the complexities of getting old, accept the unanswered questions of life, and reduce the fear of the future.

As life goes on, there is more to learn from, more to reflect upon, and more to dwell on. Those living in the fourth age may have had more experiences; more joys, disappointments, pleasures, sadness, successes, regrets, and failures. As people grow older, they become more spiritual – more aware of life and perhaps more aware of death (Woodward 2008).

Reflection can help us see ourselves as part of the universe – not its centre; accept things which at one time were painful or difficult; help us to let go of things which really are not important. Chittisher (2008) suggests that older people stop trying to be people they never were – stop pretending and accept the “gift of years” they now have.

It is wrong to assume that older people have reached the end of their spiritual journey, simply because they are further along in their life; that they have no particular spiritual needs or unlikely to grow further in their faith.

“Becoming the unique person God has in mind for me to be, is a lifetime’s journey” (Atwell 2011).

Our spiritual growth should be ongoing and our need for spiritual support and development continual. It is important to recognise that many older people may have had (and continue to have) struggles with their faith and spirituality at different times throughout their life – and old age is no different.

Many people cope with challenges, losses, stresses, and difficult situations by dismissing anything religious or spiritual; some older people may hold onto the rituals of religion but have abandoned the core of their Christian belief – simply ‘doing church’ rather than living a faith.

It is important therefore for Christian faith organisations to offer spiritual and pastoral support to those living in the fourth age – and not assume that because they are very old, they will have no spiritual needs.

Supporting the spiritual needs of older people

There are many ways the specific spiritual needs of older people may be helped by the church, but below we have listed the two we think are most important.

Experiencing God

Meeting God through prayer and biblical reflection; sharing in fellowship and being part of a community of God and feeling His presence, love, and power. Dealing with doubts, anger, and disappointment can help older people on their spiritual journey.

Accepting losses

In order to make sense of difficulties and challenges of old age; letting go of the ‘younger self’ and accepting the older person who may have limited physical abilities, mental function, and emotional resilience. Having an awareness of the end of life – this may involve resolving issues or conflicts of the past, receiving healing of past hurts, or seeking forgiveness.

For reflection

• How does our church support and encourage older people in their faith journey?
• How proactive is our pastoral ministry to older people with spiritual support?
• What are the spiritual needs of older people in our church?
• How do we support and include those older people who are confined to the home and less able to attend services and prayer/bible meetings?

© Professor Keith Brown from ‘Guidance for Christian Faith Organisations in the Support and Value of Older People’.

All of the above is why I was delighted to announce recently, a partnership between Faith in Later Life and the Neighbourhood Prayer Network. We (Faith in Later Life) have a focus on wanting to see older people reached with the good news of Jesus, but we also know that older Christians often play a key role in praying for their families, friends, and neighbourhood.

Since 2012, the Neighbourhood Prayer Network has been calling Christians to look at how they can pray for, care with and share the Gospel, as appropriate in their neighbourhoods. According to 2011 statistics, there are 260,000 streets in the UK, and that number is set to rise.

Since its launch, the Neighbourhood Prayer Network has seen over 5,600 streets committed to prayer. I am really excited about the common Kingdom goals that Faith in Later Life and the Neighbourhood Prayer Network share. The first output of our partnership has come quickly, but is an excellent call to action- and prayer. “Neighbour Sunday” is happening this Sunday the 17th and is an opportunity to prompt us to join together with Christians across the UK to pray for their neighbourhood. Perhaps, this “Neighbour Sunday”, you could start praying for those who live around you?

The Lord Jesus said, we must love our neighbours as ourselves. That’s a bold challenge, but one we must step up to.

For more information about “Neighbour Sunday” and a downloadable toolkit of helpful resources, please visit www.neighbourhoodprayer.net/projects/neighbour-sunday/

Carl Knightly
Director, Faith in Later Life