Some may ask “why a focus on aging ministry?”  On average, 30% of the membership in most mainline churches is over the age of 60.  The fastest growing segment of today’s society is those over age 85.  Ten thousand Americans turn age 50 every day.  Four out of every five people are living at least to age 70.  Additionally, the need for care-giving doubles every five years beyond age 65 and a minimum of 80% of all care-giving is provided by relatives.
 
Older adults are indispensable both as citizens in our communities and as members in our parishes.  They are valuable in our congregations as leaders, role models, and also provide a disproportionate amount of the financial contributions.