Elderhood: Confronting the Aging Myth

Product Description

Overview

The world is undergoing a dramatic demographic shift. In 2020, for the first time in history, the number of people age 65 and over will outnumber children age five and under. While the global Catholic church has faced a similar “graying tsunami,” a significant majority of older priests and religious continue to show remarkable resilience and sustained health. Research suggests this orientation towards positive aging has less to do with an individual’s background or family history than with the specific lifestyle choices they make.

Rev. Hugh Lagan, SMA, Psy.D., explores the secrets of healthy aging for clergy and religious men and women.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Identify the myths and realities of positive aging among Catholic priests and religious;
2. Explore the key components of aging well as it relates to meaningful pastoral service, extended middle-age, resilience in community living, and spiritual maturity; and
3. Learn practical strategies for improving choices and well-being later in life.

Who Should Participate

Priests, deacons, men and women religious, lay ministers, and those involved in vocations, formation, or clergy and ministry personnel needs.

Reflection Questions

Questions for reflection and discussion prior to the learning session are provided below.

1. Why does the prospect of aging evoke fear and angst in so many people?
2. How can I plan and prepare for the next decade of my life to be meaningful and positive?
3. How can I build cognitive reserve in my middle years to help with later life?