Your Key to Aging on Purpose

A ministry to equip mature adults for spiritual, educational, and functional life fulfillment

OUTSTANDING PROJECTIONS

The average life expectancy of 47 years in 1900 has increased to 77.6 years for men and 80.1 years for women in 2005 and is predicted to rise to 86 years for men and 91.5 for women in 2040.

By 2030, the number of individuals over 65 is expected to double from 35 million to 70 million and will comprise 22% of the population.

The 85 and above age group is the fastest growing segment of the population.

In recognition of both the responsibility and opportunity the demographic changes present for church congregations, this ministry encourages churches to examine their congregations to determine how already established ministries are meeting the needs of mature adults in the areas of transportation, nutrition, wellness, personal support, management of household affairs, spiritual care, and education. Guidance is provided as to how to meet discovered needs.

 Responsive Purposes

Utilizes and values the giftedness of mature adults

Provides a specially focused ministry to encourage all generations, especially mature adults,
     to volunteer their gifts.

Facilitates intergenerational caring relationships

Aids Family member in caregiving  

Guides individuals toward community resources available to meet discovered needs

Networks with existing community resources

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LOGO:

The dove represents the Holy Spirit and the spiritually inspired gifts that mature adults desire to share. The olive branch represents the olive tree whose trunk in old age often splits into several stems and whose roots spread extensively and live indefinitely. Many ancient olive trees bear abundant crops of fruit which when ripe are full of oil used for numerous purposes. Just as the olive tree, mature adults desire to volunteer their time and wisdom. They want to contribute by mentoring younger generations. The dove's color of gray represents security, reliability, dignity, maturity, and old age. The red represents energy, passion, action, spiritual awakening, and joy of life. The blue represents the qualities of peace, confidence, security, and stability for which many mature adults strive. The orange represents the passion of red tempered by the yellow of wisdom.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT

WHAT AGING WITH SIGNIFICANCE IS NOT:

To Replace Family Responsibility

To Replace Existing Homebound Ministries

To Replace Existing Community Resources

RESOURCES

The Aging with Significance Administrative Guide is updated and ready to assist you as you work with the mature adults in your congregation. This resource is designed to: 1) assist in the identification of spiritual, educational, and functional needs of mature members; 2) to assist with the identification of gifts and talents of mature members; 3) to provide guidance in the team concept of ministry as a means to address the needs of mature members. The Administrative Guide is available for free download through the Aging with Significance website or a CD containing the manual may be requested from WMU of Virginia by emailing wmuv@wmu-va.org.

Representatives are available to present this ministry to your church. Contact us so that we can help you get started.

To find out more about how you can participate in Aging with Significance, contact WMU of Virginia by dialing 804-915-5000 or E-mail may be sent to wmuv@wmu-va.org