“Ageing Gracefully” is a course designed for those who are ready to confront the process of ageing, blending medical expertise with biblical insight and practical theology.
It is created and led by Dr Ian Donald, a Christian who spent his working life in geriatric medicine consultancy.
“As a Christian, I try to make sense of the world and our experiences in the context of our faith, and I find that God has a purpose for old age”, Ian said. “In our rather medicalised, scientific world, too often people turn to doctors for solutions to the challenges of ageing. I don’t think the answers are found here alone; as Christians we find the Bible gives us the values that can be the secret to successful ageing.
“Society doesn’t talk enough about facing up to the realities of ageing. People like to pretend it will never happen to them. We can help each-other with the dilemmas of ageing by talking about them. Ageing need not be feared if we allow God to help us make sense of issues faced by a long life. Then we may say, like St Paul, ‘I have completed the race; I have remained faithful’.”
The course focuses on responding to the challenges of ageing, exploring God’s purposes for a long life, and His intentions for us in our later years. It seeks to discern how to remain ‘fresh and green, still bearing fruit in old age’, as well as tackling some of the big ethical questions.
“Ageing Gracefully” spans six weeks, with each session lasting about two hours with a coffee break included. Participants engage in group discussions and listen to presentations, exploring topics such as the ageing process, God’s purposes in ageing, healing, caregiving, dementia, and the art of dying well.
Ian served as a geriatric consultant at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital from 1988 until his retirement in 2020, bringing 3 decades of experience to the sessions.
1. What do I mean by ageing?
Exploring lifespan trends, the ageing process, and societal attitudes towards ageing, including the fear of growing old and the celebration of youth.
2. God’s purpose in ageing
Investigating biblical themes on ageing and seeking to understand God’s purposes for the final stages of our earthly journey.
3. Finding healing in the fourth age
Discussing Jesus’s healing of older individuals, the difference between healing and curing, and the role of healthcare and prayer in frailty.
4. Giving and receiving care
Examining the history of the church in caregiving, the fear of dependency, and the biblical perspective on our duties, including the challenge of accepting care.
5. Dementia and personhood
Understanding dementia, defining humanity and personhood, and addressing how the Christian life adapts to dementia.
6. Ars Moriendi (the art of dying)
Discussing end-of-life planning, autonomy, Christian arguments for euthanasia, and developing a biblical model for dying well.
“Ageing Gracefully” has been offered four times across the diocese, under the Gateway Theology school. The first course took place in autumn last year at St Andrew’s Church in Churchdown, followed by courses in the Severn Dale deanery. Ian would love to offer the course to each Deanery, with plans to run a session for the city deanery at Barnwood church starting 1 October.
“It has been wonderful seeing people’s engagement with this topic, seeing it discussed openly”, Ian shared. “The final session on dying has been a particularly powerful experience. Hearing what people think will matter to them most in their last few weeks of life goes right to my heart.”
Ian authored “With a Light Touch” after retiring, a practical guide to navigating health care in old age. It emphasises the importance of prioritising what truly matters to older individuals rather than focusing solely on medical interventions.
He undertook an introductory year of study with Cuddesdon, which deepened his understanding of theology and inspired him to think more critically about life and death from a Christian perspective.
His next step was to create “Ageing Gracefully”, to allow people to find comfort and purpose in their later years, and to demonstrate that we all remain a valuable part of God’s plan. He said:
“God has great plans for the later years of your life. Understanding these plans can help you live a fruitful and impactful life, even in old age. He doesn’t forget you.”
If you would be interested in hosting Ageing Gracefully for your deanery, or for other information, please contact Ian on moc.l1774625663iamg@1774625663584dl1774625663anodi1774625663.
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Dear Ian,
We met at the home of Richard and Jane Inglesby some time ago when I was discussing your book. This course you’ve created is very timely especially because I have to lead a discussion with the local MU in October and I was planning to do something just like your course seems to cover. I also have responsibility for Christian formation and discipleship (eg house groups etc) in this Benefice. I wondered if I could have a copy of the course please? It could be something we could run here as well as an aspect I could use for this MU meeting. I look forward to hearing from you. With very best wishes, Jane Kenchington
Hi Jane, I’ve forwarded your message to Ian’s email address, which is in the article: moc.l1774625663iamg@1774625663584dl1774625663anodi1774625663