This sprightly looking soul is the oldest human on the planet. In the past couple of weeks two people, including a Canadian, died at the age of 115. So this Japanese woman, a mere 111, assumes the dubious honour. It doesn't seem to last for long.
Our Wednesday morning bible study is made up of women who are nearly all seniors. We chatted about aging before the study began yesterday. I mentioned that there are more than 20,000 people in Japan over the age of 100, and the prediction is that by mid-century there will be hundreds of thousands. One eighty-year-old sniffed "no thanks!"
Why? Because most of us want to live well and with dignity, and so often that doesn't happen. If we could continue with energy, and freedom to choose, the answer would probably be "yes please!" But so often aging means diminished physical or mental capabilities -- or both. Life can become prison-like rather than free. We ruefully learn the truth of the quip that "youth is wasted on the young." What we once took for granted we come to realize is a gift from God.
Our group agreed that Christian community is an important aspect of health and well-being as folk age. Participating in worship, as well as study and social opportunities makes a difference. And one woman noted that so many of the visitors to those who live in nursing homes are from churches.
I appreciated the reminder that congregations need to do everything possible to support those who are aging.
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