In Germany nowadays almost a quarter of the population are seniors, which is something many countries worldwide are experiencing to a similar degree. There is often talk of the aging of society, and it’s seen as a growing social problem. Older people in our country more frequently need financial support as well as assistance for their daily lives. This can present economic challenges for the current social structures.
Yet, is people’s age really a problem in itself? If we classify people only according to their birthdates, we are at risk of overlooking important aspects. For example, many families and volunteer organizations would not be able to fulfill their tasks without the dedicated service and creative energy of the older generation.
Some time ago, I was presented with the task of occasionally taking care of my three teenage grandsons and to be there for them when they were out of school. We had often taken vacation trips together and were always a great team (going skiing in the winter, swimming and bike riding in the summer). But, in addition to that, I was now becoming involved in their daily activities. After the separation of their parents, they lived alone with their dad. And my son had a demanding job with long hours. Initially, I helped out only once a week because I lived quite a distance away and the driving time was considerable. But I prayed a lot for a solution so that after the difficult times they had had, there would be motherliness and harmony in the family again.
