Reflections on Old Age with Billy Graham

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Recommended: Adults have an influence on young people's lives

An important sector of society is older adults and their various contributions to future generations. Billy Graham’s book Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well sheds light on the various attributes of growing old and about life in general. An important idea he expresses is the influence older adults have on society as well as their ability to leave a spiritual legacy which is far more important than material inheritances. I also believe that older adults are essential to society and that Graham’s opinions are in tune with society and are useful to readers of all ages. Graham also discusses two major themes of adult development: retirement and primary aging. His book can be used to help professionals working with older adults in a variety of ways.

One of the most significant ideas from Billy Graham’s book is the idea of the value of older adults and their influence on younger generations. Society seems to have lost respect and reverence for those who are elderly and this view is sometimes even seen in older people themselves. Graham shows there is a distinct place for the older generation in society and its importance to the younger generation. He expresses that both young and old people need to realize the wisdom and life experience of the older generation. Progress is important but so is the knowledge of the past. Graham (2011) makes this clear when he states, “while society has belittled the impact of the older generations, the elderly have too easily relinquished their roles without much thought” (p.113). He goes on to use the Bible to show that people should care for their families especially those closest to them and that the older generation should be leading the way. He discusses how his in-laws had a profound ...

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...r clients who may be struggling with physical difficulties and may feel like giving up. Giving older people this book to read or reading it to them can instill a desire to keep pressing forward and to live each day to its fullest.

Books such as Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well, is vital to all age groups. It is very helpful to those going through retirement and old age. Billy Graham is personally going through and writing about all the things older adults are experiencing and will experience such as grief and primary aging. Graham also reaches out to young adults and shows them the importance of the older generation and their value. Lastly, professionals can better understand older clients and reach out to them after reading Graham’s book.

Works Cited

Graham, B. (2011). Nearing home: life, faith, and finishing well. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

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