INTRODUCTION:

1. While much discussion is on the young professional – DINK
2. We are also living longer – more older – more retired
3. Why a sermon about old people? You will be there someday.
4. Many nations facing an aging population –
   1. Japan and Germany worse crisis than USA
   2. Baby-boomers are ready to retire
   3. Social security, health care, work force
5. Relationships last longer – more 50, 60 75 anniversaries
6. As health fades – often faith fades away, too.

Older is not always better

1. Health
   1. This body is not what it used to be
   2. Too many limitations - frustrating
2. Finances and Independence
   1. Elderly cherish independence most of all
   2. Fear the feeling of being a burden
   3. Money must be preserved – not flaunted
3. Loneliness
   1. Outliving family and friends is depressing
   2. Depression is a top problem among elderly
4. Loss of faith
   1. Treated as usless – time to retire
   2. Many drop out of church life – programs and activities

The best is yet to be

1. Prosperity
   1. Used to be elderly = poor
   2. Now elderly = motor home, travel, more resources
2. Hard-won wisdom
   1. “Been there, done that, on my way back.”
   2. Much information is lost when elderly dies.
3. Spiritual maturity
   1. God’s promises seem more real
   2. Tested by time
4. Love and time
   1. Elderly think – little time left
   2. Actually – more time than anyone else
   3. Volunteer – hospital, mission work, church work, charity causes

Make room for the elderly

1. Do not forget the old
   1. Youth group, children’s activities
   2. What about elderly? 39’ers, Golden Agers, etc.
2. Broaden your family
   1. Include an elderly – lonely at holiday time
   2. Take them out to dinner

We are never too old to grow – learn – try new things

1. Make new relationships as old ones fade
2. Do something new
   1. More elderly – learning to send email to grandchildren
   2. Old does not mean DEAD!
3. Psalm 92:14-15
4. Retired man wanted to go to college – friend said, “You will be 70 when you graduate.” He answered, “I’m going to be 70 anyway.”
5. Janet teaching pre-school class – needed a helper – suggested a grandmother type – Grace Kinser was a great helper in that class.

Grow in faith

1. Continue to study, read, listen
2. No one has “heard it all before”
3. Keep learning

All of have an end coming

1. Will you be faithful “to the end”?
2. Revelation 2:10
3. 2 Timothy 4:6-8