PRAY FOR ELDERLY WOMEN
by Kristen West McGuire
(Photo Source: Saul Ibarra on Cathopic)
Women live longer than men. In recent years, health advances in the United States has increased the longevity of women to an average age of 81. That’s a long time after a typical retirement! The elderly women today often remember hard times in vivid detail; their formative years were certainly different than ours.
At the same time, we have many of them to thank for paving the road toward the freedoms that women enjoy today. Their memories are worth preserving.
Geriatric medical specialists are dwindling, despite the large numbers of retired baby boomers. This shortage underscores the importance of a support network to help the elderly navigate their health concerns. Their needs increasingly have high price tags.
Con artists prey on elderly women; they account for 92% of all financial fraud cases. It is also the case that many live below the poverty line, particularly if they are widowed long before the end of their lives.
Elderly women also constitute the backbone of many parishes. More than one generous woman has encouraged me with a smile while I tried to control my unruly brood at Mass. Those ladies deserve a medal! And many older women volunteer as catechists and office aides, often unpaid.
The American Geriatric Society has a database of geriatric specialists. You can also consult a list of questions to ask of doctors for elderly patients. www.healthinaging.org
If you are concerned about con artists targeting the elderly, you can report suspected scams at the National Center on Elder Abuse. https://ncea.acl.gov/
Don’t forget nuns! Clean living translates into extended longevity. The Retirement Fund for Religious helps congregations provide for the physical needs of elderly religious, while they continue their spiritual support of the Church. www.retiredreligious.org
Lord, We Pray:
•that elderly women might enjoy their golden years in homes that warmly honor their lives and wisdom;
•that the family members of elderly women would ask frequently about the memories they hold dear, and preserve them for future generations to enjoy;
•that elderly women would have friends and family regularly assisting with financial decisions and ensuring adequate income for their needs;
•that elderly women would find opportunities to share their skills and talents within the larger community;
•that the medical care for elderly women would include care of their mental health and their spiritual wellbeing;
•that elderly widows might find support networks adequate to their needs; and
•that the stereotypes of old age might be shattered by the reality of the older generation embracing their golden years with sanctity and self-sacrifice.
Amen
