With Lutheran roots and employing five full-time chaplains, you could say Lutheran Life Communities is “all in” when it comes to spirituality and aging which is why we get very enthusiastic about this subject.

We understand that overall, aging is seen by Western societies as a negative experience; something to avoid, delay or ignore altogether. However, just make a quick Google search about the science of prayer and its role in health, and you’ll see that spirituality very much contributes to positive health and ultimately, aging outcomes. 

We are soon hosting a four-part Sunday Sermon series at our communities on this subject, that relates spirituality to positive aging. Our point of view is informed by experience, science, psychology and philosophy. It is centrally driven by spirituality, positivity and the five “G’s” of aging. Let’s dive in!

The Five “G’s” of Aging

 Gather, Grow, Give, Go and Gratitude. No matter your age, these principles are a helpful framework for adopting a positive mindset. Each principal embodies a spiritual attitude that can shift the perceptions of aging from, “This is happening to me and I am powerless” to, “I am at the helm of my aging experience and I wish to be fully present for it.” That distinction makes a tremendous difference, creating empowerment that serves us—versus a disempowering meaning that holds us back. 

Five Lessons in Four Weeks

Lutheran Life Communities is hosting a series of sermons in our community chapels to share this practice with residents and the outer community. Each sermon will focus on the fundamentals of the five “G’s” and will be delivered by our very own Lutheran Life chaplains. All are welcome to join, especially those who are planning their retirement journeys. Visit our Events page for all of the locations and times throughout Chicagoland. 

Gather – September 8

The series starts with a focus on ‘Gather,’ highlighting the importance of coming together, building social connections and strengthening communal bonds. Fellowship and shared experiences will be at the heart of this sermon.

Grow – September 15

The ‘Grow’ sermon will inspire personal and spiritual development, emphasizing lifelong learning and nurturing one’s faith. If one is curious and courageous, there are always opportunities to grow and evolve.

Give – September 22

In the ‘Give’ sermon, we will explore the value of generosity and the impact of giving back to the community. This session will underscore the fulfillment and purpose derived from acts of kindness and service. Hint: Ask us how to volunteer at one of our communities. Each has an auxiliary and volunteer network.

Go and Gratitude – September 29

The series concludes by combining two themes into one powerful sermon. ‘Go’ and ‘Gratitude’ will focus on staying active and engaged and the life-changing power of thankfulness. Attendees will reflect on the blessings in their lives and the importance of maintaining a grateful heart. 

While each sermon is part of a series that builds on the prior sermons, each is a standalone lesson that doesn’t require previous attendance to appreciate the message. Attend when and where it makes sense for your schedule. Visit our Events page for times, dates and locations.

READY, MindSET, GO!

If you can’t make the sermons or you’re reading this blog after the series is finished, we don’t want to leave you guessing. In addition to the five “G’s” and positive thinking, here is a quick primer of proven ideas on changing mindsets around aging and living a happier life. Keep in mind that not every tactic will work for everyone. Take the time to try different approaches and keep what feels good—toss the rest! Most importantly, be open to being surprised.

  • Release any beliefs about what aging looks like. Your grandparents and other elders in your life held different experiences than you. By choosing to champion yourself and your wants and needs as an individual, you can free yourself from the crushing weight of expectations or predetermined beliefs about what aging should be. 
  • Honor your body by what you feed it. That means what you feed it physically, mentally, emotionally AND spiritually. Be intentional the night before and build yourself a good day, every day. 
  • Do what you love and love what you do. You have given yourself the gift of older age—spend it well. You’re old enough to say “yes” or “no” to a given commitment, person or activity.
  • Stay mentally engaged in life. Continue educating yourself in things that interest you and challenge yourself to learn something new daily, to expand and grow.
  • Stay connected with people who make you happy. Surround yourself with those who inspire you to be your favorite version of yourself.
  • Keep on moving. In the words of Dr. Wayne Dyer, “Don’t let an old person move into your body.”
  • Get the rest you need. Allow space for relaxation and rejuvenation in your daily routine to combat the effects of stress, find peace of mind and restore your energy. Consider a meditation or mindfulness routine that works for you.
  • The goal is soul. Maintain your spiritual practice, no matter what that looks like, to find meaning in everything and connection with life and yourself. We at Lutheran Life Communities are open to all faiths, but we aspire to always live with Grace. 

 Bonus: Keep it Positive

At Lutheran Life Communities, we believe that positivity has the power to move mountains. We acknowledge that for a lifelong “glass is half empty” person, this perspective can be a challenge to acquire in later years. We recommend starting small. Begin by focusing on the positive aspects of each day, no matter how minor they may seem. 

Many negative thoughts and actions stem from “perceived time loss.” These inconveniences are based on interactions that slow you down, hold you still or speed you up beyond your control. Our best advice is to breathe, accept what is outside your control and practice forgiveness—of yourself and others. This grace is fundamental to our approach to life at Lutheran Life Communities. Practicing Grace can be the key to positivity, which can build a more positive and resilient mindset, transforming how you experience and embrace aging.

Onward

At Lutheran Life Communities, aging is a journey to be embraced. Through the principles of Gather, Grow, Give, Go and Gratitude, we aim to shift perceptions and empower everyone to take an active role in their aging experience. Our upcoming sermon series is an excellent introduction to these principles and we would love to see you there.

Join us every Sunday in September to explore these enriching topics and connect with a larger community of those seeking a positive outlook on aging. These sermons are open to all who seek spiritual growth and a positive aging journey.

Please RSVP today to secure your spot in this transformative series. Let’s come together to age gracefully and joyfully, embracing each moment with gratitude and grace.

For more information, please visit our website or contact our team. We look forward to seeing you there!