This important book examines the relationship between religion and mental health throughout the life cycle, with a special emphasis on later life. It asserts that successful aging is possible regardless of physical health or environmental circumstances, and that religious beliefs and behaviors may facilitate successful aging. Aging and God thoroughly examines the effects of religion and mental health on aging and provides a centralized resource of up-to-date references of research in the field. It focuses on recent findings, theoretical issues, and implications for clinical practice and contains ideas for further research. In Aging and God, you’ll also find information on project design that can help you develop grant applications and carry out studies. Aging and God is a helpful book for both mental health and religious professionals. It helps mental health specialists better understand the spiritual needs of older adults and the impact that religion can have on facilitating mental health. It also describes how religion can be utilized in clinical practice and integrated into psychotherapeutic approaches to older patients. The book brings religious professionals current knowledge of the major psychological problems that older adults face and how religion can be used to help alleviate these problems. Full of pertinent information, Aging and God addresses theoretical aspects of human development, focusing on cognitive, moral, and religious faith development examines situations and disorders of particular concern to older persons and looks at how religion can be used as a resource applies research findings to the problem of meeting the spiritual and mental health needs of elders with chronic or acute health problems provides an in-depth look at end-of-life issues such as physician-assisted suicide Hospital and nursing home chaplains will find this book informative and encouraging, as will gerontologists, hospital administrators, and community clergy faced with increasingly older congregations. It gives mental health professionals new strategies to help improve the later years of older adults, and makes an excellent text for courses on religion, mental health, and aging. Middle-aged and older adults, as well as their families, will also find Aging and God enjoyable and inspiring as they attempt to grapple with the myriad adjustment and coping problems associated with aging.

Would you like to grow in life-giving ways as you age? Do you have the courage to let go of former ways of thinking to receive God's love and life in new ways? As we age, we experience the loss of physical stamina, independence, and career fulfillment. Yet within each of these losses is a holy invitation to grow. God calls us to let go of our need for accomplishment and embrace the gift of fruitfulness so that we might be transformed in this final season of our lives. In Aging Faithfully, spiritual director Alice Fryling explores how to navigate the journey of retirement, lifestyle changes, and new limitations. In this season of life, we are invited to hold both grief and hope, to acknowledge ways of thinking that no longer represent who we are, and to receive peace in the midst of our fears. We all age differently, and God calls each of us to new spiritual birth as we mature. When we embrace the aging process, we grow closer to God and experience his grace as he renews us from within. Whether you are approaching the beginning, middle, or end of your senior years, you are invited. Come and be transformed. Aging Faithfully includes questions for group discussion and suggestions for personal meditation.

Improving with Age addresses the triumphs and challenges of aging Christians and examines the uniqueness of skills and resources they bring to their church communities. Through Scripture and story, the Briscoes assert that aging is not only normal, but it is a joyful and productive life season.

A new revised edition of this popular bestseller. Growing in love is not something we can do on our own; it doesn't just happen to us as ageing does. In our later years, when our hearts and minds are mellowing, perhaps we can imitate God - the same way we imitated our parents when we were young - to grow more fully in his love. Life can be hard, and old age can be very hard indeed. In times of hardship we often ask, "where is God?" God comes to us disguised as a parent, a sibling, friend, teacher, spouse, co-worker, stranger, helper, nurse. In the love and goodness of others, we meet the selfless love and goodness of God. Equally when we show love to others, we show them God's love. This book addresses primarily those who know ageing from the inside, but if you haven't yet entered that strange world, knowledge of its landscape may help you relate more richly to those who have, and help in your own journey towards that "Third Age".

As the population of older Americans grows, meaningful perspectives on aging are needed by both the young and the old. Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly takes a detailed look at the views of aging presented in the Old and New Testaments. This wide ranging and insightful survey encompasses not only the entire Bible but also interpretations of sacred Middle Eastern and Judaic documents. This new expanded edition of the original classic text adds thorough discussions of the wisdom of the Bible and Jewish literature with ways to interpret these readings and what they teach about spirituality and growing older. Approaches to aging issues have changed in recent years. With the average American lifespan increasing, the view of old age as a solitary time of waiting has been pushed aside. So too has the assumption that the elderly simply want to remember “the good old days.” This updated edition of Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly has expanded its scope to incorporate and address the effects of these changing views. This sweeping study of the Bible’s positive treatment of aging and elderly figures sheds new light on contemporary society’s negative view of the elderly and what can be done about it. Clear examples from both Scripture and literature provide a wealth of understanding, comfort, and wisdom to everyone interested in aging and the Bible. In addition, this new edition explores the changing relationships that exist among aging, hermeneutics, mentoring, and spirituality. The new insights revealed here reinvigorate the challenge against ageism and traditional pictures of old age as a time of withdrawal and living in the past. Among the issues explored in Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly are aging experiences and the Bible, biblical theology and its role in social support for the elderly, hermeneutics and old age, spirituality and its relationship to aging, cross-generational relationships and mentoring, and a detailed index of Old and New Testament Scripture references. Accessible and concise, with compelling arguments and numerous examples, Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly is an ideal resource for pastors, seminary students, professionals, and leaders of programs for the elderly. It shows both young and old that while aging may not be easy, Biblical theology can ease some of its mystery.

Those approaching the quiet season of older age will appreciate this book of daily meditations on how to best meet these years. The author's bright outlook and her unwavering faith are an inspiration. The book of gentle wisdom makes an excellent gift for caregivers.

The Joy of Growing Old with God, captures the reflections of several people who have found joy in the aging process. The authors wanted to provide a story that would encourage and inspire their children, their children's children, and others of the joys they were experiencing as they passed through this time in their life. They focus their reflections on how their relationship with God has influenced their perspective of these years. The authors believe that age strips away the pretense of younger years and leaves bare the soul that is happily ready to listen to its Lord and Master. Even though the latter years may be filled with some medical issues and other challenges, these authors believe that their lives now are bigger, better, and more profound than they were when they were younger. Through these letters, poems, testimonials, and essays, they share the spirit and enthusiasm they have for life with God in their later years. (from the Foreword by Ronald Lukat)

Aging Well shows how you can be a vibrant senior, one with grace and joy, no matter what your physical circumstances. This quick guide to aging well covers the issues that seniors face, defines the roadblocks and their causes, and shows steps to solution with biblical hope and practical advice. Features: Part of the bestselling Hope for the Heart series (Over 1 million copies sold) Biblically-solid. Discover more information and practical solutions straight from the Bible Features key scripture verses as well as counseling insights to help practically apply its message to your life

When I reached my 80's, I was shocked by the changes in my life. That included new aches and pains in the body, as well as many losses. To help me accept this aging process, I began to read everything written about it. As I read volumes and spoke with my aging friends, I learned many good tips. With my background in Biblical Studies, this book "Aging With God's Grace" was born. It has a positive spin, with 16 chapters using Biblical examples and references, as well as personal examples and stories. The theme is definitely "The best is yet to come" -(when you lean on the Lord.) Also, making peace with your past, by trusting in God's Grace. The dedication is to: The Giver of all Grace, who said: " Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you, and I will carry you, I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4