Create programs in which older adults can continue to develop body, mind, heart, and spirit through participation in every aspect of program development, maintenance, and evaluation. Encourage older adults to become more aware of more opportunities for involvement in their own religious and spiritually oriented groups. This could include utilizing transportation services and tax incentives for mileage. Encourage programs and legislation to communicate the need and value of older adults' wisdom and gifts of self to the community at large. Programs should be encouraged to offer ways for seniors to give of themselves, as well as receive, and exchange services between themselves and others.
Death reflects the end of life and for some a time of transition.
The various religious traditions view this time of life differently. Social service providers should be able to honor the religious and spiritual needs of older adults, whether they are expressed or specifically avoided. Social service providers, religious leaders, and members of the community should be more involved with fellow believers who are terminally ill. Barriers to this type of support should be removed. Rev. James W. Ellor, D.Min.