Feature
1 May 2023
Singapore faces the daunting reality of an ageing population. Advancement in medical care, a greater awareness of health issues, as well as earlier illness detection and intervention have given rise to a higher life expectancy of around 80 years in Singapore. Coupled with a low total fertility rate, it is projected that one in four Singaporeans will be above the age of 65 by 2030.
This has led some to call this phenomenon a “silver tsunami”. This, however, tends to carry a negative connotation. It gives the baleful impression that the elderly will flood the country and overwhelm the system. Underlying this is the more pernicious insinuation that the elderly have nothing to contribute to society and only drain limited resources.
Life—Long Life—is a Gift from God
This depiction could not be further from what the Bible says. We could use two “Gs” to crystalise the bible’s view of the elderly and ageing. Firstly, the Bible affirms that a long life is a gift from God (Ps 91:16). An elderly person’s longevity should not be seen as a drain or pain, but God’s divine blessing upon their life. It is God who has sustained their life and allowed them to live to an old age. It is perhaps in this light that the Bible calls for honour, respect, and esteem for the elderly (Lev 19:32, Prov 16:31). In the New Testament, Paul appeals for due respect to be given to the elderly (1 Tim 5:1).
This is, of course, predicated on the fundamental truth that all life is a gift from God. There is an intrinsic sacredness and sanctity to all human life (Ps 139:13-18, Gen 1:26-28). The gifted-ness of life reminds us that the elderly’s—or any person’s—worth and value is indelible and inherent, and certainly not based on their ability to remain productive or active.
This also influences the way we understand death. Death is often denied or downplayed within the Christian faith. It should rather be understood within the natural ebb and flow of life, over which God is sovereign (Eccl 3). God is in control and continues to sustain our lives until death comes knocking on our door. Isa 46:4 makes this poignant point clear: “And I [God] will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn grey, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.” This goes against the utilitarian mindset of “cure or kill” or “death is better than suffering”, which might be held by a small segment of society. Life—and a long life—is a gift from God.
Growth in the Latter Years
Moreover, there are still many growth opportunities in our latter years. The Christian distinction between the outward nature that may waste away and the inward nature that is being renewed daily reminds the elderly that there is growth for them even in old age (2 Cor 4:16). Ageing is not the dwindling of one’s potential but an opportunity to realise a different set of potentials. For one, the Bible states that the elderly have much wisdom and experience (Job 12:12, Prov 16:13). They have much to offer in terms of leading and guiding those who are younger. Such mentoring is only possible because of the experience and wisdom they have accumulated over the years; it is not something a younger person can do.
Continued growth can also take the form of picking up new skills or hobbies. Alternatively, some may consider re-employment in jobs aligned with their interests. Many may also be interested in community service, such as reaching out to other elderly persons or mentoring younger ones. These suggestions cohere with the various government initiatives, such as active ageing, elderly volunteerism, and lifelong employability. While we do have some distance to go as a society to arrive at the goal of lifelong employability, there are small positive changes. For example, companies like Prudential Singapore have removed the retirement age altogether.
The recently opened “Project Spring-Winter” by St. John’s-St. Margaret’s Church is a great example of a how the Christian faith can bring something novel and refreshing to the issue of ageing well. Inspired by the vision in Zech 8:4-5 of the elderly and children mixing together freely, this project features the integration of a nursing home, a senior day care centre, and a childcare centre. Each facility would run their own programmes that are suitable for their clients. But intentional and appropriate opportunities are crafted so that the children and the elderly can interact with each other. This allows the elderly to enjoy the companionship of the children, and for the children to learn how to honour the elderly.
While much more could be done to in this area, Project Spring-winter is certainly a step in the right direction. Deep mindset shifts are necessary to change our paradigm. A long life is a gift from God, and one that presents new areas and opportunities for growth.
