KERLIN: The gifts of elderhood

Photo by Rod Long/UnsplashThere are many ways we talk about people who are mature in years — older, seniors, the elderly, the aged. And yet we seem to have lost many of our terms of reverence for our maturing adults — wise man, wise woman, sage, elder. The term elderhood describes a time in life, marked by a conscious choice to live fully in the mature years, 50-plus years. Beyond just the biological process of aging, it is a season of purpose, reflection and legacy.  

Too often, aging is associated with decline, disease and despair. By 2025, it is expected that older adults will outnumber children in the U.S. Presently, there are about 110 million Americans over the age of 50. If we were to count the people who love and care for people over 50 years of age, that number would grow significantly. In our Archdiocese, we estimate that there are half a million people over the age of 50. 

As Catholics, we are in a unique position to celebrate the blessings of age. There are so many examples in the Bible of people in their elderhood who became spokespeople for God and testimonies to God’s goodness — Noah, Moses, Abraham and Sarah, Elizabeth and Zechariah, and Job. These figures remind us that age is not a barrier to making a difference. God’s plans can unfold in the lives of those who are older in big ways. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and hope for all of us who are aging. 

We celebrate our elders in the world Church with the Vatican celebration of World Grandparents and the Elderly celebration in July. Pope Leo XIV had this to say in his message for World Grandparents and the Elderly Day 2025: “How often our grandparents have been for us examples of faith and devotion, civic virtue and social commitment, memory and perseverance amid trials! The precious legacy that they have handed down to us with hope and love will always be a source of gratitude and a summons to perseverance.” Many of us have grandparents who have been a source of love and faith in our lives. 

We celebrate our elders nationally with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recognition of elders during Grandparents Day in September each year. The USCCB writing, The Blessing of Age, recognizes the vital role of our elders in the Church, “We speak out of profound gratitude for the many ways in which faithful and generous older Catholics have built — and continue to build — the Church... How the faith community relates to its older members — recognizing their presence, encouraging their contributions, responding to their needs, and providing appropriate opportunities for spiritual growth — is a sign of the community’s spiritual health and maturity.” 

Here in the Office of Aging Ministry, we celebrate our elders every day.  
Together, let us ensure that our elders are seen and heard, valued and loved. May we recognize their needs and care for them, acknowledge their gifts and learn from them.

Kristine Kerlin is the director of the Office of Aging.