New Perspectives on Aging (Part 2): 6 Practices that Provide Joy and Hope

How to Change Your Perspective on Aging

In my last blog post, I wrote about a new perspective on aging. As my husband turned 60–a reminder that I am approaching that new decade as well–all of the usual thoughts and fears crept in. Does this mean we are “old”? As my body’s aches and pains outnumber the miles I can walk, is this the beginning of the end? Am I becoming obsolete?

The questions are depressing. They’re also self-destructing. Dwelling on the downside of another year going by takes away from the joy of today–a day when I am very much alive, well, and a vital presence in this world. It also steals my hope for tomorrow.

Just as my husband’s new position on his recumbent trike gives him a new perspective while riding, looking up can reveal beauty that we know is there, but haven’t taken time for. Busy with the immediate concerns of the road under our wheels, we haven’t observed the blessings that surround us. And in doing so, we’ve also lost sight of the Giver.

Now that we’re older (and hopefully wiser), let’s reset our view. God’s Word is a great place to start, as the Bible is full of inspiration and instructions to keep our focus on “things above”. Here are six ways the Bible reminds us to look up–to find joy and hope–regardless of our age.

Be Mindful

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7a

During our child-rearing years, we prided ourselves in the number of activities we could squeeze into a week. Conversations with friends often became a contest to see who could rattle off the longest list of events in our families’ lives. We had little time for, or interest in, being still.

It wasn’t until recently when I took a class on mindfulness with Irene Kraegel, that I learned the value of being still. It takes practice to sit quietly in the present moment without regretting the past or fearing the future. To be mindful is to simply BE. In that stillness we have more space for God and an openness to his voice.

Mindfulness, besides being an avenue for spiritual growth, can bring about physical wellness–relieving stress, lowering blood pressure, decreasing pain, and improving sleep. It’s even used to treat heart disease and gastrointestinal difficulties. I wish I had known about mindfulness in my 20s! If you are new to the concept, check out the resources I suggest at the end of this post.

Be Grateful

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5: 16-18

It’s amazing how our perspective can change when we focus on what’s going well vs. what’s falling apart; on what we have vs. what we want; and on what we’ve gained vs. what we’ve lost. Even in tough situations, we often discover unexpected blessings.

Two years ago, after fighting a chronic cough for the previous two years, my doctor told me I had Bronchiectasis. He recommended I use a vibrating vest for 15-30 minutes a day to loosen the secretions in my bronchi. The machine made a sound like a helicopter, so it was difficult to watch TV while I had it on. And the vibration made it hard to read. I felt like a prisoner. And I hated it. At first.

Then, something prompted me to use this 15-30 minutes a day in prayer, listening to scripture, and keeping a gratitude journal...practices I had always aspired to, but on most days lacked the self-discipline to do. Almost every day for nearly a year, I wrote down five things I was grateful for, as well as a few things I was praying for. Now, when I open those pages and read through the many blessings and answered prayers, my heart is full. And I’m grateful for the vest that forced me to spend this time with God in gratitude.

Unfortunately, I stopped the practice when the pages of my journal were full. But I miss that reminder to be thankful every day. It’s time to buy a new journal and start again. Won’t you join me? (And keep me accountable…ask me if I got that new journal yet, okay?)

Be Kind

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13

My husband used to joke that he wanted to live to be 100 so he could be a “grumpy old man.” Now here we are, over half-way to his goal of being centenarians. We can also be pretty grumpy at times (don’t talk to me before I’ve had my morning coffee). People say the elderly can be inflexible. Now I’ve begun to see it in myself. When things are out of sync in my routine, I can become irritable and even rude.

I’ve also had first-hand experience with the flip side. As I cared for my mother during her final months on this earth, I was struck by her kindness, patience, and contentment. She rarely complained (though she had many reasons to) and never stopped being concerned for others. Even though she was bedridden, she would ask, “Do you need anything?” Always serving and putting others first was her way.

In today’s angsty society, there are plenty of reasons to be grumpy, critical, and argumentative. Instead, in our goal of “looking up,” let’s seek out opportunities to be kind, understanding, and accepting. The choice is ours.

Be Active

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

The best way to feel young and alive? Stay active! With the kids grown and on their own, we now have more time to walk, bike, travel, take up a hobby, learn a new skill, read a book, do a puzzle, embark on a new endeavor, or play with our grandchild.

As long as we have the physical and mental capacity to enjoy our favorite pastimes or better yet, try new exploits, we should do it! But note, the caption above says “Be Active.” It doesn’t say “Be OVERactive”. We’ve all been there and done that.

Now is the time to slow down...and keep moving. It’s not a race to the finish. Instead, our later years are more like a walk in the park. We can take our time, soak in the beauty of the life we’ve been given, and relish in the surprises of unexpected blessings along the way.

Be Purposeful

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

It’s important to have a purpose that guides our decisions in life and knowing that purpose becomes more salient as we see our sand sifting through the hourglass. But this verse in Romans reminds us that we are here for HIS purpose. A life that glorifies God can bring purpose to whatever path we find ourselves on.

Whether we’re still working or retired, we can share the light of Christ through our actions and words. Through volunteering and community involvement, we become his hands and feet. And even in our later years, if we’re unable to get out, we can lift up our families, churches, communities, and the world in prayer. God can work out his purposes through us in ways we may never even know. Believing that is the first step in finding our purpose.

Be Hopeful

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day…So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16, 18

We are getting older. And these old bones “are wasting away” (I have the arthritis to prove it!). But if we can focus on looking up, on “fixing our eyes...on what is unseen” we will experience growth and renewal from the inside out.

Keeping our eyes on the eternal will shift our focus away from the physical world. Our aging bodies, retirement accounts, homes, vehicles, clothing and countless other things, will someday be used up and gone. I admit that the thought is sobering and makes me squirm a little. But it can also bring me peace. Because, as unfathomable as it may seem, there is something even better waiting for us when this good life is over.

So take heart. Pick up your Bible. Read it. You’ll find it full of promises that will give you joy for today and hope for tomorrow.

Other resources that have helped me grow spiritually and kept me “looking up”:

Books (see my reviews in the Free Resource Library by signing up below):

(Note: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which supports local bookstores. If you purchase a book through one of these links, I will receive a small commission…thanks for looking!)

Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton

Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren

The Mindful Christian: Cultivating a Life of Intentionality, Openness, and Faith by Irene Kraegel

The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman