Day 53: "Elders Face the Coronavirus Crisis Alone"

DAY 53

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

WEEK EIGHT: WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2020

Elders Face the Coronavirus Crisis Alone

“When schools close, home care workers have to stay with their children, leaving frail elders isolated in homes they cannot manage. … It is a terrible situation that for older adults, the steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 increase the risks of social isolation, which carries its own devastating health effects. A study by AARP compared the effects of prolonged isolation to those of smoking 15 cigarettes a day…’When you can’t be around people altogether, and people are afraid of catching something,’ said Lujira Cooper, 72, ‘it creates a self-imposed prison.’”  Elders Face the Coronavirus Alone – newspaper article 22 March 2020.  

A side effect of mandatory social distancing has been the closing of senior centers across the country where many seniors, living alone, can go for a meal, conversation and activities. “I’m really isolated now,” said Anna Reifman, 69, in the article above: “This isn’t just about lunch. I come here to talk to people other than my cat.” These closings for the elderly include their houses of worship, where they come not only to connect with God but to connect with people.  

So if you are young or middle-aged, seek out an elder, yes, someone who is old, and engage them in a conversation about what they have learned about life and faith – and listen. You will have blest them and you will be blest. God calls us in Deuteronomy 32:7 to “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.”

And if you are old, hear God’s faithful powerful promise to you during this time of pandemic social isolation: “Listen to me,…you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:3-4.

Reflective question: With whom do you need to connect this week?

Reflective Scripture: Leviticus 19:32 – “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.”

Reflective hymn:

“They Found Purpose” – Richard Garland (written in 2016)

Sung to the tune of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

When advancing years confront us, we’ve a choice in how we cope;

feel defeated, prone to distrust, or seek wisdom, live in hope.

When the losses and the loneliness, grieve the spirit, try the soul,

come to Christ and let his goodness warm the heart and make us whole.