“Being old fills me with gratitude to God for His abundant love and His many blessings over these many years. After a long and busy life, it has been a joy to live in Strathclyde House for the past nearly eight years.

“The fellowship here and the pleasure of meeting new friends while also having more time to spend on my own in God’s presence every day is a particular blessing.”

Margaret, 95, Strathclyde House, Skelmorlie

“It’s hard to say about being old because I am oldish but don’t always feel old. I know there are many things that I am unable to do that I used to do when younger, but there are many people much younger than me who can’t do them either.

“Yes I have to take a lot of medication to help me through the day and night. My eyes need drops at night to help with glaucoma.

“Mark you, there are many upsides to getting old like free prescriptions, which could take a lot of your pension, and free travel on buses and trains.”

Peggy, 87, Homesdale, Wanstead, London

“I don’t regard myself as old but my body and mirror tell me otherwise!

Loss... Limited mobility but having travel cards is a boon for shopping, appointments etc. Losing family and friends is painful but as a Christian I have a hope beyond this life.

Acceptance of my limitations... For example, travel is limited but I enjoy using the internet to speak to friends far and near, as well as using Google and YouTube.

Time... More time to read, reflect, pray, go on short walks in the nearby park, to breathe in fresh air and enjoy nature’s colour and changing seasons. Time to declutter and pass on items collected from my travels.

Time in the sheltered accommodation to meet friends/tenants at social events, services and weekly exercises.

Faith… Is important to me and my church family who are helpful, caring and looking out for me. My times are in God’s hands.”

Dorothy, 85, Homesdale, Wanstead, London

“What are the advantages of being old? A lovely apartment in a Christian environment with Andy and his team looking after us, optional devotions and social activities with others in a rural setting.

“Days of quick breakfasts, hurried devotions, dressing smartly and rushing to work are a distant memory, time and lack of routine are a bonus. The grandchildren do not need baby-sitting, school runs etc. anymore and, in fact, care about us now, but will still ask advice. We have time to think, pray, discuss, before making a sensitive phone call or sending a WhatsApp.

“The pressures on youngsters seem immense, we are relieved not to be of that generation. We try to keep up with technology but can always play the “Helpless Grandparent” when necessary. A Nice Young Man brings groceries to the kitchen.

“Free bus passes, eye tests, prescriptions, no mortgage means we can treat ourselves and others.”

Jeannie, 73, Pilgrim Gardens, Leicester

Some collective musings from folk living at Dorothea Court, Bedford The Changes Age brings…

Positives:
• More patience with others
• More spare time to enjoy others’ company, hobbies (knitting, jigsaws, puzzles)
• Finding joy in simple things like: God’s creation – the colours, the trees and flowers, the joy of sharing and laughing with others
• Finding contentment, accepting our situation

The blessings:
• No longer having to travel great distances
• People showing more concern and consideration, especially if we need the help of a stick or a walker
• We feel more appreciative towards younger people
• We realise how important our families are to us
• We no longer feel the need to conform to the everyday pressures of the world (i.e. Keeping up appearances – it doesn’t matter if your shoes don’t match your dress! Reminds us of the poem ‘Warning’ by Jenny Joseph which begins with the line ‘When I am an old woman I shall wear purple’)

The future:
• No longer worrying over things far away as we realise this is all in God’s hands
• It’s our families’ futures we pray about