Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults

All books I've purchased, authored by Missy Buchanan, are excellent reading for the elderly individual, worried about the future!. I am almost 88 years of age, have read several & also purchased for aged friends and family. Reading them does add a glimmer of faith, hope and encouragement to an otherwise mundane day.

Mom was just admitted to an assisted-living facility and immediately went into lethargic depression. The sudden, unwanted loss of independence took a toll on her spiritual vitality and enthusiasm. My sis sent this little booklet to Mom hoping it would be helpful.Since I was curious to know what she was reading, I bought this one for myself. I'm glad I did. I'm using it as a daily devotional since each "chapter" is bite-sized and ends with two Bible verses. Easy reading. Now, not only do Mom and I have something to talk about; it's preparing me for that next stage in my life, too.In case you aren't at this stage of your life (yet), someone you know probably is. The wisdom here is not only for the old folk ... it's helping me to prepare myself for the time when it will be needed. SO much about care-giving situations are in these few pages that I wasn't aware of. It has changed how I talk with Mom. It has encouraged me in my conversations with God, too.PLEASE NOTE: This booklet is obviously written by someone who is a Bible-believing Christian who has first-hand knowledge of what goes on in the heart/mind/soul of a mature person of faith who finds themselves in a caregiving situation. (I wonder how much help this would be to someone who does not have a spiritual relationship with God as a sincere Christian. Perhaps it would spark an interest?)It will definitely change your perception of a true Christian's state of mind in an aging believer. It's been so helpful that I'm buying a supplemental booklet by the same author. VERY good reads!

We fail to remember that the elderly were at one point very capable and relevant. I cannot imagine the isolation and sadness that comes from moving to assisted living and this book brings comfort and the assurance that although the world forget God never does.

I first became aware of this book when it was featured in an interview with the author and the mother of one of the hosts on Good Morning America. Since I live in a body that is wearing out, and have friends whose bodies are wearing out, and because I always have looked to the future, I was alerted by the positive attitudes expressed by the author and the older American woman who was reading some of the devotional.At first I thought the mom was the author. I did not know who the younger woman was in the interview. I immediately downloaded the book to my Kindle. After beginning my read, I discovered it was a devotional, a very practical devotional, and I ordered a paper copy to share with my friends.Chapters are short, deal with one very "rubber meets the road" topic, and have a positive spiritual application, followed by very appropriate quotes from the Book of books. So far three of my friends have read the complete book, while I still am savoring a chapter now and again. I do a lot of reading and usually have four books going at a time, so this book is like candy to me, or should I say like a protein snack.In my sharing I had one woman who said, "Oh, no I am not going to claim that my body is falling apart!" She missed the first line of the title totally. Since her friends are reading it, I am sure she will pick it up at some time and realize its positive input.What I like about Missy Buchanan's books, is that she is able to get inside of the mind of older people, and does keep us focused on what is positive in our lives at the stage after sixty. Although I think the book can appeal to folks of any age range, especially those who are sensitive souls who have contact with people in this age range. They, too, will someday be in their senior years.I firmly believe that there is purpose in every stage of life and that all life is a sacred gift of God. Missy Buchanan's books affirm this belief.

I was recently introduced to the work of Missy Buchanan. Mrs. Buchanan is an author, columnist and speaker on the subject of aging and faith. Her ministry is meant to assist older adults and those who love and care for them. She is the author of "Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults". I purchased this book in Kindle format and it is also available in paperback format.This book features 41 short Christian devotions aimed specifically at elderly adults. Many of these devotions refer to the challenges of living in a nursing home or assisted living facility. The devotions are approximately one page long and include a Scripture verse from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. I was especially touched by the topics of these devotions. These topics are very real worries to many elderly adults. "Slow Motion" deals with the fact that everything takes more time...brushing teeth, getting dressed, cutting food, etc. Yet the unhurried life can be a blessing because there is more time to notice the first bloom on the flowers blooming outside the window.It is truly inspiring the way the author finds praise and gratitude in each situation that an elderly adult might be faced with. The Scriptures that are used are some of the most loved verses in the Bible. These are verses that I will refer to in difficult times and in times when I feel a need to hear God's voice. Each one of these devotions should be read slowly and then meditated on. The author displays insight and compassion for the thoughts and feelings of elderly adults. This is also a wonderful resource for the children of elderly parents. It opens the doors of empathy and understanding.

Great book. Much wisdom

I am an Anglican priest. I use this book for devotions with seniors at the local independent living home and everyone loves it. This book speaks to their fears, worries and the whole human experience of aging. I think this book makes them feel a little less lonely, that someone knows how they feel. Sometimes, after I read the devotion, people share a little of their thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, there's just silence. Sometimes, there are tears. But, they are cleansing tears. The only criticism is that there are not enough devotions. Possibly some questions to ask for reflection would be nice. But, overall, a must-have resource for anyone interested in the spiritual life of the aged. Easy to read, touching and with helpful biblical references.

depressing book I think.

Great book