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Thursday, June 22, 2006

Senior citizens may continue to improve with age

By Bill Ellis
Special to ASSIST News Service

SCOTT DEPOT, WV (ANS) -- Do not count senior citizens out as they continue to grow older. That is exactly what they are doing -- getting older, staying active and accomplishing more. A person may be too old for one thing or some things, but just the right age for other things.

A man I know went to see Dr. Stephen Smith for his annual check-up. In the course of conversation with his congenial doctor, the patient said, “I’m just getting older.” Dr. Smith’s immediate response came in the form of an encouraging question, “Isn’t that your goal?” Of course, it is. We all want to live well and get older.

As people grow older they often become more active and accomplish things they may have never dreamed possible. Consider these examples of prominent people.

When Elton Trueblood, the famous Quaker philosopher, teacher, preacher and author was 79 years old, he was enthusiastically saying, “Bill and Kitty, I get to be 80 on my next birthday.”

I interviewed the internationally known clergyman, convention speaker and author, Norman Vincent Peale, when he was 89, and asked this question, “Dr. Peale, how do you continue to write, travel, preach, and serve on national boards? He replied, “You forget your age and do what you can.”

Comedians Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Milton Berle, Jack Benny and others continued to help people laugh when they were well beyond the normal time for retirement.

Billy Graham, the best known and most popular preacher of the last 50 years, continues to preach, write and speak for a variety of meetings even though he has reached his 87th birthday. Retirement is not a word in his personal vocabulary.

George Beverly Shea, at 97, is still the favorite and beloved gospel soloist of millions around the world. And he just keeps on singing.

Robert H. Reardon, at age 87, is a skilled teacher and public speaker after formally retiring more than 20 years ago as President of Anderson University, Anderson, IN. He will not quit, but will continue to write, speak and be a strong advocate for Christian higher education.

James Earl Massey, has just been named one of the 25 most influential American preachers of the last 50 years. He has been a pastor, missionary, seminary dean and professor, worldwide radio broadcaster, national and international church leader and prolific writer of books. At 76 he is a much-sought-after speaker for major conventions and conferences. He is also a classical pianist.

Arlo F. Newell, prominent pastor, church executive and administrator, author of hundreds of editorials and many books, former editor-in-chief of Warner Press, college and seminary teacher and powerful preacher shows no signs at 80 of slowing down. His motto may be “I mean to go right on until the crown is won.”

These promises of God carry a lot of weight and meaning for those who are older. “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing (Psalm 92:14 NKJ). Many are living and working in the promise of Proverbs 9:11, “For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.”

Most successful seniors have no intention of ever retiring if it means to quit and cease what they have done and enjoyed all their active lives. One minister, now 76 years old, has been heard to say, “There will come a time when I can no longer preach or write, but until that time comes there is no thought of slowing down, missing a step or giving up.

That is a holy and fruitful determination. Maybe we should all try it.

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Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 1600 columns and widely known as a motivator utilizing enjoyment of life and just plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all kinds. His keen understanding of human problems make him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and publisher.

For information on becoming a subscriber to the Ellis Column for your newspaper or magazine, you may contact him at: BILL ELLIS, P.O.Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560 or by calling: 304-757-6089.
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