 |
|
May 1999
"Women and Aging"
"Bible Study: I Will Sustain You" by Mai Hutson Gray
This Bible study, based on Isaiah 46:3-4, explores the promise: "I will sustain you." It looks at the Lord's reminder about who gave Israel birth, and who carries us from birth to old age. As we age, this verse has significance, giving a sense of trust, joy and dignity. The Bible study gives questions and thoughts for reflection that really help us explore the movement to aging.
"Women and Aging" by Margaret A. Dixon
A Native American once called this author a "crone." One she learned what the term meant, she felt extremely proud. A crone is a wise woman because of her knowledge and spirituality. As the Hopi prophecy states, "When grandmothers speak, the earth will be healed." This author states that to be wise, bold, and courageous, aging women need to know the facts. She shares facts about how much longer women are living, issues with living alone, financial concerns, and many more. She then gives women advice for being prepared to advance successfully into old age and ways to carry out the United Nations principles for older people, which will be promoted throughout this year.
"Their Gifts and Their Needs" by Mary Alice D. Edwards
In this United Nations Year of Older Persons, we celebrate the service and devotion which older members give the church. As humanity comes of age, persons over 60 become the majority of United Methodist Church members. This sidebar explores what the church's responsibility is to these members, especially the women, what gifts they bring to the community, and ways to affirm them. Filled with a plethora of ideas, this article is a must-read for any church member interested in older adult ministries.
"Action from the Heart" by A. Victoria Hunter
This sidebar explores the work of Barbara Weikert, a Pacific Northwest Conference United Methodist Women member, who uses a hands-on approach in addressing issues of aging. This article looks at ways Ms. Weikert has reached out to older women, what motivates her, and what keeps her involved.
"1999: UN International Year of Older Persons"
The United Nations General Assembly declared 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons in recognition of the unprecedented aging of populations worldwide--and the gifts and challenges this presents to the nations. The initiative draws attention to situation of older persons, who, unlike women or children, have no comprehensive international convention addressing their rights. It also lifts up U.N. guidelines for improving the lives of older persons. This sidebar looks in detail at the initiative, the ecumenical support and statement of United Methodist Women, and the major threat to women's well-being in upcoming years.
"Social Security: What's it to women?" by Sarah Ritchie
If you believe Madison Avenue, the typical Social Security recipient is a healthy, married person, probably living in Florida and playing endless games of golf. Yet the media and various interest groups are not portraying reality. The average Social Security recipient is likely to be an elderly woman, living alone and struggling to make ends meet. These are the facts:
This article looks at the Social Security program, why it is vital, debates over reform, and other proposed plans.
"Social Security: A View from the X Generation" by Vivien Labaton
The media has been ablaze recently with reports that Social Security is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and doomsday stories of young people facing retirement with no Social Security benefits to speak of. This sidebar, written from the point of view of a Generation Xer, dispels the myths, talks about the last national social insurance program of this country, and discusses steps to ensure that Social Security is fiscally sound as we head into the next century.
"'We Lose': British Women on Privatization " by Fred J. Solowey
Wall Street and other interests seeking to privatize the U.S. Social Security System think that their time has come. But this article explore the points of view of women who have seen the hardship and scandal caused by Social Security privatization in Great Britain. Read this article and hear the history of Britain's privatization; the hardships it has caused women, especially; and advice and lessons from women who have experienced it first-hand.
"What You Don't Know Can Hurt" prepared by The National Center on Women and Aging
This article is full of statistics and facts that can guide you in your health care as you age and in the questions and answers you need from doctors. Many women are unaware of the increased risks to health that follow the onset of menopause. This article will educate you about the risks, will dispel commonly held myths about women's health, and will advocate for more education by health care providers on the short and long-term risks of estrogen loss associated with menopause.
"Medicare: Affordable Health Insurance" by American Association of Retired Persons
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for older persons and individuals with disabilities who are U.S. citizens or legal residents who have lived in the country for at least five years. It was created by Congress in 1965, when older Americans faced great difficulty in finding affordable medical insurance because of their age and existing health conditions. But now, Medicare is under attack and it needs help. This article looks at changes to Medicare that would ensure the program's long-term stability, while ensuring continuity and quality of health care services.
"A Place to Grow" by A. Victoria Hunter
Just as we experience life differently, our life choices will figure in how we live out our "golden years." This article looks at four United Methodist Women-supported mission institutions that serve the elderly in different styles based on their needs. The Brooks-Howell Home, set in the mountains of Western North Carolina, serves seniors who have dedicated their lives to Christian service through mission work. Mary Elizabeth Inn, in San Francisco, provides affordable rooms and housing in a city with a tremendous cost of living and reaches out to women with extenuating circumstances, like surviving domestic abuse, alcohol or drug abuse, or not having any place to go. Friendly Center in Toledo, Ohio, began and older adult program out of a request from senior citizens who wanted the center to extend its inner-city ministry. Nome Community Center in Nome, Alaska, gives XYZ: Xtra Years of Zest, according to their seniors. This center reaches out to the indigenous elderly, who need day care, meals, showers, and community.
| Responsively Yours |
| Spanish: Una Comunidad Creativa Y De Apoyo |
You Belong Here! Teen Mission Study Big Draw in East Ohio |
| Bright Lights |
| Letters |
| How to Use This Issue |
| Women's Division News |