Physical Health and Adults

Every parent knows the importance of regular well-baby checkups. They help ensure the health of the infant and provide an essential foundation for health in the adult years. But in the midst of ensuring their children's health, those same adults may fail to follow a pattern of regular physical exams themselves. They fail to maintain their own health and well-being. Preventive care is the key to detecting health problems early and taking steps to treating them.

How is this relevant to understanding the adults with whom we work in the church? Sooner or later adults will face the inevitable physical signs of aging. For some the onset is bifocals; for others it is prostate or skin cancer. Others observe the physical decline of their parents and remember that their generation is the next to face these issues. Other adults fiercely resist any attempt to prevent or improve their physical condition by refusing to do monthly breast exams or have prostrate screening, exercising sporadically and becoming overweight. Each of these attitudes represents both learning and ministry opportunities. As Christian leaders plan sessions, they should remember that these represent actual needs of their members and discover ways to use the resources of the Christian faith to help these adults to know that God wants their best, not just spiritually, but physically as well.

I visited an Adult Sunday School class in a large metropolitan city. Most of the members were in their 30s and 40s. One of the customs of the class was to provide a prayer list for all members. Most of the prayer requests related to health concerns. Listen to their concerns: (I have changed the names.)

Paul had back surgery. He's still having some pain but is returning to work.

Fred's wife, Margie, has decided not to take any more chemo. Basically she has given up on life.

Wilma's body was not able to handle cancer treatments with the increased dosages.

In this class the predominant prayer thoughts focused on physical healing for themselves and their friends and relatives.

It goes without saying that Christian leaders should model good physical conditioning by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, protecting their skin from the sun, and getting plenty of rest. Pastors and other Christian leaders can also take additional steps to address health concerns of their adult members.

1. Provide helpful pamphlets and Internet addresses, which focus on health issues, faced by their members. The church library should be a good source for this information.
   
   
2. Evaluate the settings for churchwide events. How important is it to have daylong outdoor activities when all ages would be exposed to the sun?
   
   
3. Take a look at the menu for the Wednesday night meal and other meals offered by the church. What is the nutritional value of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw? Do you offer alternatives for those who are watching their diet?
   
   
4. Consider exercising programs for aging baby boomers. One church built a recreational facility for young families during the 70s, but because of the declining number of the church's young adults, the facility is largely unused during the week. Farsighted lay leaders saw the opportunity to make the facility available early in the morning for older middle-agers to walk around the tract and do aerobic exercises. A warm cup of coffee and cold orange juice are available to those who arrive early.
   
   
5. Consider adapting rooms and buildings for the growing aging population. One church realized that valuable first-floor space was unused. It was formerly used for children and now was vacant. With a minimum of remodeling, they now have room to grow new Sunday School departments for the "young old" who make up a significant group in their church.
   
   
6. Present a positive view of the aging process. Many older persons face each day with vigor and zest. They attempt new challenges every day. Despite some physical limitations they engage in life. In short, old age is not for sissies!
   
   
7. Be alert to physical changes in people in your group. Sometimes these are revealed in prayer requests, but at other times they are too personal to be revealed to a group. For instance, Jay, 55, discovered that he had diabetes and will have to control his blood sugar for the rest of his life. He wants to maintain the picture of perfect health to his friends and business associates, as well as church members. Consequently, he doesn't tell anyone at church about his disease.
   
   
8. Take seriously the suggestions offered for air-conditioning and heating adaptations for older persons. As we age, our skin becomes thinner. Have you seen the hands of older persons? You can see the veins underneath their skin. Skin acts as a covering for the body, but it also provides insulation. As the room temperature drops, seniors feel the effects more quickly than younger adults do because their skin is thinner.
   
   
9. Finally, train church leaders, including deacons, to recognize and relate to the physical challenges of aging. Christian leaders should minister to the whole person, not just to spiritual needs. Ministering in Christ's name means serving the whole person.

Jay visited Mona in the nursing facility last week. Over the past two years, they have developed a strong personal relationship. As he entered the room, he noticed that her toenails needed clipping. Apparently the nursing staff had overlooked this, or they were too busy with other matters. With some apprehension he asked her if he could clip her toenails. As he bent down and began to clip her nails, he remembered the admonition of Jesus that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt. 25:40). Both wept—she to receive this personal gift of ministry, and he to extend his gift of service.

For further study as well as group study, use the resource series fit4 Wellness Plan and First Place Bible Study (available by calling 1–800–458–2772).

AdultApplication: How should the church recognize and respond to needs for healing? What other kinds of prayer requests should be shared besides physical ones? How can you encourage an expanded view of prayer needs in your class? Review the needs listed above. Add other needs evident in your church. How can your church respond?