Page 40 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2017 - Online Magazine

The Cryof the

Elderly which are understaffed – and the economic burden on

the younger population.
The dramatic rise in the number of people reaching 65
has expanded classifications into three sub-populations:
the “Young Old” (ages 65-74), the “Old” (74-84), and the
“Oldest-old” (85+). The “Young Old” is the first wave
of Baby Boomers who reached full retirement age in
Four decades ago Frances Schaeffer, in his seminars 2011. Over the next 20 years, 74 million Boomers will
“How Shall We Then Live?” forecast that the next be retiring. Because of increased longevity, a wave of
throw away segment of our society after baby abortions aging Baby Boomers will expand the “Old” category.
would be the elderly by euthanasia. Physician aid in The “Oldest-Old” is the fastest growing segment of the
dying (PAD), or assisted suicide, is now legal in the total US population, with a growth rate twice that of the
states of Washington, Oregon, California, and Vermont. “Old” and almost four times that of the total population.
Schaeffer’s gloomy prophecy has become reality. They now represent 10% of the older population, but
Noted geriatrician, Robert N. Butler, in a 2008 that is about to skyrocket.
interview, told of the tragic case of September 11, 2001, These are more than mere “fast facts.” They are a
in New York City: “Animal activists evacuated dogs and call to ministry, and must shape our response as Jesus-
cats within twenty-four hours after the World Trade followers.
Center was attacked, while disabled or older persons
were abandoned in their apartments for up to seven days Ministering to the Elderly
before ad hoc medical teams arrived to rescue them.” Emotional problems of the elderly often increase with
Christians must not let this fast growing segment of our physical decline. Care facilities are full of residents/
society become dispensable. patients with deteriorating sight, hearing, and mobility.
This devaluation of our seniors is serious, but equally Result? There is a huge need for Christian ministry to
concerning is that their needs are outpacing resources. the aging and dying, to the lonely and lost and their
In 2050 the population aged 65 and over is projected families.
to be 83.7 million, almost double the 2012 estimate of We cannot assume that doctors and technology will
43.1 million. Statistics and trends of an aging population resolve everything. In his must-read book, BEING
are driving the rapid increase in care facilities – many of MORTAL, Dr. Atul Gawande examines the inadequacy
of doctors and their practices to meet the needs of

40 Lubbock Senior Link