Church Community for Senior Citizens

 Another guest post by Rhonda Underhill. This time she's writing about my friends and me.

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The Benefits Of Attending Church For Seniors

 

For many seniors, retirement comes with lots of perks: spending time with the grandkids, getting to travel or try new things, and resting after years of hard work are just a few. But for others, retirement means isolation from friends and family, depression, and even substance abuse as they try to make sense of a major life change. It can be difficult to make that transition, and the emotions this time brings can be painful and confusing.

 

One of the best ways a senior can ease this transition is to attend church. Being part of a supportive group, having something to look forward to, and having a way to structure each day can help boost your confidence and teach you how to focus. Being mindful is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety and learn how to get through just about any rough moment. It can be difficult to make ourselves focus on the here and now, especially if we’re going through a life-changing transition. But taking even a few minutes a day to be mindful of all we have in the present moment - and especially all we have to be grateful for - can help us feel more at peace with ourselves, our surroundings, and our circumstances.

 

Here are a few of the benefits of attending church when you’re a senior, brought to you by The One True Faith.

 

Get Social

 

Going to church regularly can help you socialize, an important part of any senior’s life. Making new friends and having social connections can help boost your self-esteem and will keep you active, which can combat depression, stress, and loneliness. It can also help you find a new hobby or allow you to get creative, since many churches have groups where members get together to take an art class or create something together, such as a quilt. These activities are also essential for any senior who is in recovery and can even help with memory function.

 

Find Support

 

Many seniors are dealing with a loss of some kind, whether it’s the loss of a longtime partner or the loss of a job they’ve held for years. It can be difficult to manage the feelings that come with those losses, but going to church can offer support from others who have gone through something similar. Having people around you who understand how you feel and who will be there to help support and guide you through the hard times can be a huge benefit.

 

Get Help When You Need It

 

Being a member of a church can provide many benefits, including having someone to call should you need a ride to a doctor’s appointment or to come and help you clean up your home should you become ill or have mobility issues. The congregation might even help you out with financial troubles by taking up a donation or providing meals. For seniors who live alone, this can be a big help and can allow more freedom.

 

Stay Active

 

Attending church can help you stay active in many different ways, from offering a place to exercise to helping you find a group or club that includes activity of some form. Gardening clubs, walking groups, and dance classes are great examples of the activities many churches offer, and they’re good ways to meet new people as well. If such activities aren't available, you can (and should) still prioritize staying active to better your health and make friends. If you're a subscriber of Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you may have the SilverSneakers benefit. This is a program that focuses on fitness by granting access to exercise facilities and social events.

 

Attending church can help you feel better about yourself, give you something to look forward to every day, and even keep you healthy.

 

The One True Faith offers poetry, prayers, and a daily journal on the subject of faith. If you have any questions, please email faith.flaherty@gmail.com.