Recommendations for 
Older Adult Ministries

 

Congregations are encouraged to:

• Provide a caring climate and work to utilize the talents, skills, wisdom, and experience of each older person in the congregation.
  
• Appoint a person responsible for coordinating ministry to and by older adults.
  
• Encourage small group ministry involving older adults along with support groups for the caregivers of frail older adults.
  
• Provide for ministry to the shut-ins through visiting, telephone contact, notes, remembrances, bulletins, cassette tapes of services, and in-home Communion.
  
• Arrange for transportation when needed to all services, meetings, and activities.
  
• Record oral histories of older members and friends.
  
• In the construction of all facilities, provide easy access from parking areas, ramps, rest rooms on the main level, wide doorways, good lighting, comfortable seating, and a public address system.
  
• Stimulate the involvement of older people in community endeavors, and encourage individuals to work for necessary legislation that will serve the needs of older adults.

  (World Conference Report 1996)