The Ubiquitous Requirement of Technology – Ok, we know that technology in and of itself is not a bad thing; rather, it is the proper or improper use of technology that is either helpful or sinful. There are so many opportunities that open up for us because of technology. This we know, but it is the constant imposition upon us to learn it all. That is not so easy for a septuagenarian or octogenarian, and it also flies in the face of the logical patterns of thinking that we learned during our previous years. Yes, it does consist of a different logic. The anxiety this all brings makes you decide you are better off without it. Some people call that old age. And BTW, our TV cable company has decided to interrupt all programs and update the system at 11 pm. We miss the end of the football game and all at their whim and mercy. And just what did they update? They removed EWTN!
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:21)
The Loss of Privacy – This actually borders on elder abuse. Culprits steal one’s social security number. They researched an elder’s income and wealth. Family members intruded on the preference to be alone and moved into their home. A common experience is the daughter, son-in-law, son, and even the grandchildren with them all living with the septuagenarian mother/mother-in-law. All while she is trying to cope with recent strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, et. al. Seems few people can rely on themselves, nor be responsible for themselves any longer. Further, spam callers forever harass seniors in their homes to sell this or that; any items related to their station in life – health and insurances especially. And it is amazing how much they know already. Banks, credit card companies, and insurance companies with their never ending mistakes that you have to correct for them makes you wonder of the level of American incompetence today. Hate it.
Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. (Luke 12:2-3)
Feeling Alienated From Society – And then healthy identity dissipates. Disengagement theory is for the most part, a well regarded explanation of adult development for seniors. Essentially, the elderly disengage from society as society disengages from them and vice versa. You don’t find many 80 year olds in the work place, entertaining, eating at Buffalo Wild Wings, hanging on the beach. So, the elderly seek new roles so as not to suffer identity crisis and become demoralized. They retire to new responsibilities beyond career in this adjustment. Your humble writer could not sing/act any longer, nor teach in college, nor visit the hot spots. Well, he didn’t want to do that, but that is choice of disengagement. He chose rather to be involved in church activities, social volunteer work for the poor and the migrant. He could do this.
Yet, the children or family itself may leave their aging parents isolated and to fend for themselves. They don’t visit, call; they have a life of their own. You’ve heard it before. Now that the children are grown, they might even find it easier to verbally assault and abuse; I guess left over resentments.
Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Health Struggles – You have heard, “If it is not one thing, it is another.” And modern medicine sure is good at keeping the elderly going, patching up this and that. Chapters in the life of Job, so to speak. What seniors go through today, but I guess it is worth it: heart disease, blood pressure, new valves and pacemakers, clogged arteries, minor strokes, diabetes, titanium joints, digestive breakdowns, and don’t forget prostrate issues, and cancers of all types. Of course I could go on.
Medical issues often bring on financial problems, medicare not withstanding. Combine that with transportation problems, rising housing costs, inflation on fixed incomes, loss of savings. It appears that health and financial insecurities go together.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34: 19)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
And here is the crux of it all for seniors. The Lord will care for you.
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. (James 5:13-15)
Sources:
Baglino, Michael J. “Five Forms of Elder Abuse and the Catholic Response.” More From a Florida Catholic: Vignettes Plus on Psychology and Culture. 2022. New York. The Penguin Writers.
Baglino, Michael J. The Dr. B. Reader on the Ologies; Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology. 2024. New York: Amazon Professional Publishers.