By Ward Tanneberg

When we think church ministry, think children, youth and young adult singles and marrieds. This is an absolute given for any church leader. But if the American Church fails to seriously consider how she is engaging and serving its midlife members, its 50+ age members, and the aging nation of which she is a part, she is turning off the future. The long term health, growth and sustainability of the North American Church will depend in large part on how we who are leaders of the Church, under Christ, understand, embrace and serve an aging population.

Envision the numbers:
1900 – 76,000,000 Americans were 60+ in age
2020 – 341,000,000
2050 – 439,000,000 (est.)

Those 85+ in age
1900 – 112,362 Americans were 85+ in age
2000 – 4,239,587
2050 – 19,041,041 (est.)
(Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census)

The older population–persons 65 years or older–numbered 39.6 million in 2009 (the latest year for which data is available). They represented 12.9% of the U.S. population, or about one in every eight Americans. By 2030, the USBC is projecting there will be about 72.1 million older persons, more than twice their number in 2000. People 65+ represented 12.4% of the population in the year 2000 but are expected to grow to be 19% of the population by 2030
(Source: AoA website).

In Canada, the numbers are even more striking. As of 2012, about 21 per cent of Canadians were over the age of 60. By 2030, that proportion is projected to rise to about 28.5 per cent, and by 2050, 31 per cent — nearly a third of all Canadians — will be 60+ in age. How well is Canada dealing with the challenges and opportunities of a population that’s getting older each year? Better than the USA as it turns out.

According to a new UN-backed study from the advocacy group, HelpAge International, it turns out Canadians are doing pretty well. Released recently on the UN’s International Day of Older Persons, the Globe AgeWatch Index is the first international ranking of the quality of life of elderly people around the world. Canada placed fifth on the list, behind Sweden, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands. The U.S. came in at number eight. The country that scored lowest out of the 91 for which adequate data was available was Afghanistan.
(Source: The Global Age Watch Index).

Numbers are just that, only numbers. But if lead pastors and boards of elders fail to seriously consider the implications of these numbers in their one, three and five year plans (does anyone still plan out five years?) they will fail in setting a key sociological focus and biblical philosophy on aging, and so miss ensuring both the short and long term health and vitality of the body. It’s like seating everyone except parents and grandparents at the family table.

What are the numbers saying to you and your church? Are you listening?

 

Ward Tanneberg served as a pastor for 35 of his more than 55 ministry years. He became president/executive director of CASA 50+ Network in 2008. He speaks and writes to 50+ and intergenerational ministry leaders and is the author of several inspirational novels.

Ways you can use media in your ministry:

Pete Menconi’s The CASA Network Aging Well Bible Study Series 

Discussion centered. Great for everyone age 50 and over who wants to stay in the game as long as possible! Good for SS and SGs. Pastors, ministers and church leaders, it’s time to get your 50+ people engaged and inspired for the rest of their life!

Best Practices. Share a successful event or experience that will encourage others engaged in 50+ and interGen Ministry. InterGen ministry projects, caregiving practices that work, mentoring? What is happening in discipleship and outreach today among those in life’s second half?