Maintain Your Joy in Old Age

1-2. How does Jehovah view faithful older ones? (Psalm 92:12-14; see also picture.)

PEOPLE around the world react differently to getting old. For example, imagine this scenario: Do you remember when you noticed your first gray hair? You may have been tempted to pull it out before anyone saw it. But you realized that pulling out gray hairs was not going to stop more of them from appearing. This example illustrates how hard many individuals resist getting older.

² However, our heavenly Father has a different view of his servants who are aging. (Prov. 16:31) He likens them to thriving trees. (Read Psalm 92:12-14.) Why is that comparison fitting? Trees that are laden with leaves and fragrant flowers are often many decades old. One of the most striking trees is the Japanese flowering cherry. Some of the most beautiful ones are over a thousand years old. Much like these mature trees, faithful ones who are up in years are beautiful, especially in God’s eyes. Jehovah sees the person behind the gray hair. And He appreciates the beautiful qualities of older ones​—their endurance and loyalty—​as well as their many years of faithful service to Him.

3. Give an example of how Jehovah has used older ones to accomplish his purpose.

³ A person’s advanced age does not decrease his value to Jehovah.a In fact, Jehovah often uses older ones to accomplish his purpose. For example, Sarah was advanced in age when Jehovah announced that she would become the mother of a mighty nation and an ancestress of the Messiah. (Gen. 17:15-19) Moses was up in years when Jehovah commissioned him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. (Ex. 7:6, 7) And the apostle John was elderly when Jehovah inspired him to write five Bible books.

4. According to Proverbs 15:15, what can help older ones endure the challenges they face? (See also picture.)

⁴ Older ones face many challenges that come with advancing years. One sister humorously said, “Getting old is not for wimps.” But having joyb can help older ones to endure the trials that come with being up in years. (Read Proverbs 15:15.) In this article, we will discuss practical things that older ones can do to remain joyful. We will also consider how others can help older brothers and sisters in their congregation. First, let us discuss why it can be a challenge to maintain our joy as we age.

HOW OLD AGE COULD AFFECT YOUR JOY

5. What may cause some older ones to get discouraged?

⁵ What might cause you to get discouraged? Perhaps you feel disheartened because you cannot do what you once did. You may long for the days when you were younger and in better health. (Eccl. 7:10) For example, a sister named Ruby says: “Putting on clothing is difficult because of my aches and pains as well as my lack of mobility. Something as simple as lifting my feet to put socks on is hard. My hands are numb and full of arthritis, which makes it challenging to accomplish even small tasks.” And Harold, who served at Bethel, says: “I don’t recognize the man I’ve become, and I get frustrated at times. I used to be very athletic. Playing baseball was my favorite pastime. Others would say, ‘Give the ball to Harold because he never misses.’ But now, I don’t think I could even throw the ball.”

6. (a) What other reasons could cause some older ones to feel discouraged? (b) What can help older ones determine whether to stop driving a vehicle or not? (See in this issue the article entitled “Should I Stop Driving?”)

⁶ You may feel discouraged because you are losing a measure of your independence. This is especially true if you need the help of a caregiver or if you have to move in with one of your children. Or perhaps you are deeply disappointed because your health or your eyesight has deteriorated to the point that you can no longer go places by yourself or drive a vehicle. How distressing! But it may help to remember that our value to Jehovah and others does not depend on whether we can care for ourselves, live alone, or drive a car. And we can be assured that Jehovah understands our feelings. What matters to him is who we are on the inside​—someone whose heart is full of love and appreciation for him and for fellow worshippers.​—1 Sam. 16:7.

7. What can help those who are saddened by the possibility that the end of this system will not come in their lifetime?

⁷ Perhaps you are saddened by the possibility that the end of this system will not come in your lifetime. If you feel that way, what can help? Try to remember that Jehovah is patiently waiting to bring an end to this wicked world. (Isa. 30:18) But his patience is not without purpose. His patience is allowing millions of people the time and the opportunity to come to know him and serve him. (2 Pet. 3:9) So when you feel discouraged, try to think about how many people will benefit from Jehovah’s patience before the end comes. Might some of them be members of your own family?

8. How might the challenges of aging affect older ones?

⁸ No matter our age, when we are not feeling well, we are more likely to say or do things that we regret. (Eccl. 7:7; Jas. 3:2) For example, when the faithful man Job was suffering, his words became “wild talk.” (Job 6:1-3) Additionally, a medical condition may cause older ones to do or say things that are out of character for them. Of course, none of us would intentionally use our age or our health as an excuse to be unkind or demanding. And if we realize that we have said something unloving to someone, we should not hesitate to apologize.​—Matt. 5:23, 24.

HOW TO REMAIN JOYFUL

9. Why should you accept help from others? (See also pictures.)

⁹ Accept help from others. (Gal. 6:2) At first, you may find that difficult. A sister named Gretl says: “Sometimes I find it challenging to accept help because I feel that I will be a burden. It has taken time for me to change my thinking and humbly admit that I need help.” When you accept help from others, you allow them to feel the joy that comes from giving. (Acts 20:35) And you will no doubt be pleased to see just how much others love you and care about you.

10. Why should you remember to show gratitude? (See also picture.)

¹⁰ Show gratitude. (Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:18) When others do good things for us, we feel gratitude but we may forget to show it. However, if we smile and say thank you, we make our friends feel valued and appreciated. Leah, who is a caregiver for older ones at Bethel, says: “One of the sisters I care for leaves me little thank you notes. They’re not long messages, but they’re so sweet. I really love getting them, and it makes me happy to know that she appreciates my help.”

11. How can you help others? (See also picture.)

¹¹ Strive to help others. When you focus your time and energy on others, you will be less likely to focus on your own problems. An African proverb likens older ones to a library filled with books containing a wealth of wisdom. But books that are left on the shelf do not teach or tell stories. So as a “living library,” take the initiative to share your knowledge and experience with younger ones. Ask them questions, and then listen. Teach them why living by Jehovah’s standards is always best and will make them happy. No doubt you will feel joyful when you comfort and strengthen your younger friends.​—Ps. 71:18.

12. According to Isaiah 46:4, what does Jehovah promise to do for older ones? (See also picture.)

¹² Pray to Jehovah for strength. Though you may feel physically or emotionally exhausted, Jehovah “never tires out or grows weary.” (Isa. 40:28) How does Jehovah use his limitless energy? One way is by strengthening faithful older ones. (Isa. 40:29-31) In fact, he promises to help them. (Read Isaiah 46:4.) And Jehovah always keeps his promises. (Josh. 23:14; Isa. 55:10, 11) When you pray and then feel Jehovah’s love and support for you personally, you cannot help but feel joyful.

13. According to 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, what should we remember? (See also picture.)

¹³ Remind yourself that your situation is temporary. When we remember that a difficult situation is temporary, we can endure it more easily. And the Bible assures us that old age and poor health are temporary. (Job 33:25; Isa. 33:24) So you can find joy in knowing that your best days are ahead of you, not behind you. (Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.) But what can others do to help?

HOW OTHERS CAN HELP

14. Why is it important to visit and call older ones?

¹⁴ Visit and call older brothers and sisters regularly. (Heb. 13:16) Older ones can feel isolated. A housebound brother named Camille says: “I have to stay indoors from morning to evening. So I get really bored. Sometimes, I feel like an old lion in a cage. I get nervous and frustrated.” When we visit older ones, we reassure them that they are important to us and that we love them. Likely, we all can recall a time when we intended to call or visit an older person in our congregation but we did not follow through. We all lead busy lives. So, what can help us to “make sure of the more important things,” including visiting older ones? (Phil. 1:10) You may find it helpful to make notes on your calendar to remind you to send a text message to older ones in your congregation or to call them. You can also schedule time to visit them; do not leave it to chance.

15. What can younger ones and older ones do together?

¹⁵ If you are a younger person, you may wonder what you can talk about or what activities you can engage in with older ones. But try not to overthink it. Just be a good friend. (Prov. 17:17) Stop and talk with older ones before or after congregation meetings. Perhaps you could ask them to share their favorite scripture or a funny childhood memory. You could also invite them to watch a JW Broadcasting^® program with you. You may also be able to help older ones in practical ways. For example, you can help them keep their devices up-to-date or download the latest study publications. A sister named Carol says: “Offer to do things with older ones that you enjoy doing. Though I am older, I still want to enjoy life. I like shopping, eating out, and getting out in creation.” And a sister named Maira says: “One of my friends is 90 years old. We have a 57-year age gap. But I often forget about that because we laugh together and watch movies together. And when we face problems, we look to each other for advice.”

16. Why may it be helpful to accompany older ones to medical appointments?

¹⁶ Accompany them to medical appointments. In addition to providing transportation for older ones, you may be able to ensure that the medical staff are treating them well and giving them the attention that they need. (Isa. 1:17) You may be able to help the older one by taking notes about what the doctor says. An older sister named Ruth says: “Often, when I go alone to a medical appointment, the doctor does not take me seriously. Doctors may say such things as, ‘Your problem is psychological; it’s in your head.’ But when I am accompanied by someone, it makes all the difference in how the doctor deals with me. I thank my brothers and sisters who take the time to accompany me.”

17. What aspects of the ministry can you enjoy with older ones?

¹⁷ Work with them in the ministry. Some older ones may not have the physical strength to preach from door to door. Could you, for example, invite an older sister to join you for cart witnessing? You might even provide a chair for her so that she can sit near the cart. Or could you offer to take an older brother on a Bible study, perhaps even conducting the study at his home? Elders can consider arranging meetings for field service at the home of older ones so that they can participate more easily. Anything we do to honor older ones is worth the effort.​—Prov. 3:27; Rom. 12:10.

18. What will we discuss in the following study article?

¹⁸ We have been reminded that Jehovah loves and values older ones. And so do the rest of us in the congregation! Growing old is difficult, but with Jehovah’s help, you can maintain your joy. (Ps. 37:25) How encouraging it is to know that your best days are ahead of you, not behind you! What about those of us who are caregivers for an older family member, a child, or a friend who is ill? How can you maintain your joy? We will discuss the answer to that question in the following study article.