AGING WELL

LIVING LONG AND FINISHING STRONG

With age comes change. God’s love and purposes remain the same. In the Women of Faith resources, discover God’s plans for you to grow in maturity and how to handle the transitions of aging. Enjoy real stories with valuable (and often humorous) life lessons from seasoned individuals and learn how to finish strong in His strength.

We spend our lives waiting—for the next birthday, for the last day of school, for the next vacation—waiting to be old enough to drive a car. And before we know it, middle age, then old age, shows up unannounced. Where’d the time go? As we age, each season of life brings opportunities to grow in maturity. The Women of Faith resources offer practical insights into how to live long and finish strong. You’ll discover how God can use you at any age, how to handle transitions and difficult emotions, how to overcome loneliness and stay active, how to keep growing spiritually—and enjoy real stories with valuable (and often humorous) life lessons from seasoned individuals.

Key Aging-Related Terminology

Aging is a process of growing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in order to move toward maturity.

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature” 

James 1:4

Maturity in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word teleios, which means “complete” or “growth in mental and moral character.”

“But solid food is for the mature” 

Hebrews 5:14

God’s purpose in the process of aging is to bring us to spiritual maturity by deepening our faith and developing our dependence on the Lord—on the presence of Christ within us. God’s intention is that we “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

We take stock of our remaining resources (time, talents, treasures) and look for ways to invest them in people and projects that hold lasting meaning. Such was the case of Abraham, who lived to be 175 years old (Genesis 25:7).

What Is the Process of Aging? 

Aging Physically 

• The physical process of aging begins from early fetal development and extends through our final breath. The Bible says our creation begins with God. (Psalm 139:13) 

Aging Mentally 

• Knowledge gained through learning and observation becomes wisdom when applied appropriately. (Proverbs 2:6) 

Aging Emotionally 

• From infant to geriatric, handling and expressing emotions is an ongoing process. (Proverbs 13:12) 

Aging Spiritually 

• Spiritual growth begins with learning about God and then advances to believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and yielding control of your life to Him. This life-changing growth culminates in progressively becoming more and more like Him in character and conduct. (Philippians 3:14) 

The Progression of Adult Aging 

Springtime—ages 20 to 35 

• During this season of life, an important measure of maturity is TRUST. (Proverbs 3:5–6) 

Summertime—ages 36 to 55 

• During this season, an important measure of maturity is SELFLESSNESS. (Philippians 2:3) 

Autumn—ages 56 to 79 

• During this season of life, an important measure of maturity is ACCEPTANCE. (Philippians 4:11) 

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever."

Psalm 138:8

Wintertime—beginning at age 80

• During this season of life, the most important measure of maturity is WISDOM. (Job 12:12)

Dwelling on Negative Emotions Develops Negative Attitudes 

• “I feel unwanted.” “I’m just in the way.” 
• “I feel forgotten.” “I’m a nobody.” 
• “I feel useless.” “I have no value.” 
• “I feel fearful.” “I’m scared of the future.” 
• “I feel discontent.” “I’m just miserable.” 
• “I feel helpless.” “I can’t do anything.” 
• “I feel hopeless.” “I have no reason to live.” 

Focusing on Positive Emotions Furthers Positive Attitudes 

• “I feel wanted.” “My life endears me to others.” 
• “I feel remembered.” “My life occupies God’s thoughts.” 
• “I feel useful.” “My life has value to God and others.” 
• “I feel unafraid.” “My life is in God’s hands.” 
• “I feel content.” “My life is filled with peace.” 
• “I feel helpful.” “My life impacts others.” 
• “I feel hopeful.” “My life is anchored in God’s promises.” 

“If anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things.”

(Philippians 4:8)

 What Causes Contribute to an Aversion to Aging? 

Illness 

• As our body ages, we become more vulnerable to physical illness and injuries. Consequently, we need to prioritize keeping both our physical and spiritual lives healthy. (Proverbs 18:14)

Isolation 

• As family and friends begin to pass away and mobility restricts movement, we can become isolated. The loss of loved ones or the development of severe health issues can cause more restrictive isolation. Loneliness doesn’t occur overnight, but over time, it can sap your strength and halt your hope. (Psalm 25:16) 

Fear 

• If you hide “the real you” from others, it often becomes harder to develop safe and mature relationships based on honesty and trust. When you place your trust in God, He will drive away the fear and empower you to be “real” in all situations. (1 John 4:18) 

Bitterness 

• Always wanting and expecting things to go your way leads to resentment against God and others when your expectations are not met. This leads to bitterness that hardens your heart, making it difficult to accept the unpredictability of life. (Hebrews 12:15) 

Pride 

Placing your trust solely in your own efforts and believing that you can be successful and content living apart from God leads to an exaggerated sense of self-importance—blinding you to the truth about God’s sovereign role in the universe. (Psalm 10:4)

How to Walk in Wisdom 

• Winter is the season of splendor. (Proverbs 20:29) 
• Winter’s storehouse holds a wealth of wisdom. (Proverbs 15:31) Winter thrives on its deeper roots. (Jeremiah 17:8) 
• Winter accepts its own barrenness. (Romans 8:1) 
• Winter opens the door to new life. (Titus 2:7–8) 
• Winter has no fear of death. (1 Corinthians 2:9) 
• Winter knows it is here for only a season. (Philippians 3:20) Winter hears the call to eternal life. (John 10:27–28) 
• Winter rests in its hope for the future. (1 Corinthians 15:55)

“Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.” 

(Job 32:7)

  How to Overcome Loneliness 

Loneliness can be overcome by ... 

• Filling an empty table with dinner guests 
• Making holidays festive by starting new traditions 
• Calling others on the phone 
• Inviting friends to attend a movie or event 
• Joining a book club 
• Mailing cards to family members and acquaintances 
• Letting go of grudges and extending forgiveness 
• Taking the time to visit those in need of company

Branch Out from Loneliness by Reaching Out to Friends 

Casual Friends 

• Occasional contact but common interests and activities 
• Some knowledge of accomplishments, abilities, and character qualities 
• Concern for personal problems 

Close Friends 

• Regular contact and mutual interests and activities 
• Sensitivity to likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses 
• Shared God’s comfort during trials and sorrows 

Committed Friends 

• Scheduled time together and shared values, goals, experiences, and commitments 
• Freedom to help correct character flaws 
• Personal involvement in defending a reputation 

“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”

(Amos 3:3)

Key Verse to Learn 

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

 (Isaiah 46:4) 

Key Passage to Read 

2 Corinthians 4:17–5:10

God will never leave you.

No matter what.

Let’s hold on to God’s promise of joy! 

LIVE IN VICTORY!

100+ BIBLICALLY BASED RESOURCE TOPICS

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Be coached and equipped to boost your spiritual strength, experience real relationships, and be the life leader you are.

Want to learn more about our other 100+ topics?  Check out the Women of Faith Resources, to discover biblical hope and practical help on these topics. The Women of Faith Resources are designed to help you – and help you help others – overcome difficulties, grow in maturity, and move forward in life.

God desires to give you hope as you face life challenges, problems and difficult trials. The good news for us, God specializes in redemption and transformation. He takes that which was lost and restores it. He takes that which was dead and gives it life. He takes that which had no hope and rewrites its story. This is our God! As you pray today, ask God boldly to transform the thing inside you that you want to see changed forever!

Thank you for your interest and support in Women of Faith. We pray God will encourage, equip, and empower you with His life-changing truth.

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