We may see them as
individuals who are always on the go. They volunteer with non-profit
organizations. They use a life time of accumulated skills to help others. They
begin second careers. They continue to learn in a variety of ways. They pursue
hobbies long postponed and develop new interests in areas of life never before
explored. They travel with and without their extended families. The Go-Go
individuals among our senior adults can be hard to slow down.
Those who have less initiative
are just as willing to participate but need the encouragement of family and
friends to be a part of the life around them. They need others to plan and
include them in the activities that will keep them a part of the social circles
they have valued all their lives. The Will-Go individuals are ready to go and
be a part of the plans designed by others. They only need to know others want
them.
Extra concern must be shown
for those who need more than just an opportunity to be a part of friendship
circles. They need consideration for how they feel each day. They need the
consideration of how they will be able to get around either with extra support
or with others providing transportation. These Slow-Go individuals are special
members of our groups and must never be forgotten.
All too often the Can’t-Go
individuals are out-of-sight/out-of-mind among their acquaintances. Their
caregivers often suffer the same fate. Yet these people are valuable to the
Kingdom of God and to society. The efforts others must make to include them
will be more than worth the time and energy as everyone gains an enhanced sense
of value and ability to contribute. Such efforts must be intentional. They must
be planned, and the needs of the restricted individual must be a priority consideration.
The result will be a blessing for all.
That fifth category can be
frustrating, but it cannot be overlooked. Won’t-Go individuals may say they
have no interest in being involved, but rare is the individual who has no
desire to relate to others on some terms or in some type of situation. The task
is to find the outlet in which these individuals will become involved and then
lead them to see such involvement can be a positive addition to their own lives
and to the lives of others. These need to know they are loved and of value to
the Kingdom of God as much as any other human being.
In some form or fashion all
our senior adults fall into one of these five groups. Each group has special
qualities, abilities, and needs. As physical abilities deteriorate and the
opportunities to interact outside of the residence become more limited, these
opportunities become more of a priority in the social relationships of the
individual. Social contacts decrease and more time is spent seeking to maximize
physical strength.
Whether the focus is
maximizing social interaction or in maintaining a sense of good health,
spiritual development must be a priority. Every opportunity to strengthen the
spiritual life must be optimized in whatever ways the individual can respond.
The differences may be great, but when the senior adult ensemble takes its
music to the nursing home, those who can sing share their abilities. Those who
can only sit and listen lift the musicians up in prayer. All are given the
chance to contribute to the work of the Kingdom of God and everyone receives a
blessing.
