MA (Edinburgh), MA, BSc, DPhil (Oxford)
A Vision for the Aging Christian: Preparing for Longer Life and the Tasks of Caregiving
James M. Houston & Michael Parker
Publisher : Cascade Books
Publication date : October 31, 2024
Language : English
Print length : 228 pages
ISBN-10 : 1666741205
ISBN-13 : 978-1666741209
Item Weight : 11.2 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.57 x 9 inches
About the Book
A Vision for the Aging Christian is an essential resource for Christian laypersons, clergy, and caregivers. Aging impacts all people, and this work serves as a partner on the journey by providing extensive research, profound spiritual insight, and the gift of life experience. In a follow-up to A Vision for the Aging Church, Jim Houston and Michael Parker provide a countercultural guide to aging successfully in a world that often diminishes this gift. In doing so, Houston and Parker demonstrate what it means to cultivate purpose and resilience for Christians as they enter the second half of life. In featuring Parker's groundbreaking AgeReady program, this book offers a comprehensive tool that empowers elders and caregivers in planning for the challenges and joys of aging. Along the way, Houston and Parker share the intersections of their faith with caregiving, bearing witness to the ways in which the presence of God provides respite in the storms of life. Often-avoided topics of dementia, caregiving tasks, and the unavoidable difficulties of longer life are addressed with care and compassion. This book encourages aging Christians to finish well and share the gift of blessing with the next generation.
What Others Say About the Book
Ken Canfield,
Founder,
National Association for Grandparenting
Judd Swihart,
Director,
Cornerstone Family Counseling Center
James Martin,
Professor Emeritus of Social Work and Social Research,
Bryn Mawr College
Daniel C. Potts,
Neurologist
Kay Bascom,
Author of Jubilee Journey: Hope from Now to Eternity
Hal Habecker,
Founder and President,
Finishing Well Ministries
Stephen F. Voorhies, M.D.,
Chief of Staff,
Central Washington Hospital,
Wenatchee, Washington
Richard M. Allman,
Clinical Professor of Medicine,
George Washington University
“James Houston and Michael Parker have written an outstanding book which is practical and rich with resources. Their knowledge of the aging process is exceptional. I heartily endorse A Vision for the Aging Christian as must-reading for all grandparents!”
“This book is built on research and scientific knowledge but goes well beyond that structure. It offers transparent examples from the authors’ lives, real life examples from the lives of others, pungent quotes from well-known authors, and resources to help those caring for the aged. This is a gem, so I encourage you not to miss out on this one.”
“What a gift! James Houston and Michael Parker have given readers a clear, comprehensive, and thoughtful text addressing critical aspects of the aging process—all through the lens of Christian values. Their work provides the reader easily understood information as well as access to important resources to support successful aging. I recommend A Vision for the Aging Christian as a resource for individuals, families, as well as professionals in the medical and human services fields.”
“My friends and mentors, James Houston and Michael Parker, continue to write collaboratively and share their wisdom and passion to advocate and offer resources for elders, care partners, faith organizations, and the community at large to create a culture in which elders may go on living well. They comprehensively address issues associated with aging, offering well-researched insights and rich, illustrative stories to further a culture of compassion, dignity, and fruitfulness in elderhood. You will want to come back to this book again and again to inform and inspire.”
“This new book by James Houston and Michael Parker shares their double expertise in the needy field of aging Christians and their caregivers. The chapters are full of rich personal experiences and stories that inform, challenge, and encourage the reader. This whole collection, which the James Houston Center for Aging has gathered together in one volume, is a treasure to be explored, enjoyed, and applied.”
“I believe A Vision for the Aging Christian will serve as a call to awaken the church to rise up and care for the aging segment of the church worldwide. This book is not an academic book but rather a practical ‘hands-on’ guide to encourage believers and churches everywhere to meet the needs of the exploding percentage of aging people around us and throughout our world. Every page is wonderfully insightful.”
“The book’s spiritual wisdom, the personal honesty of the authors, the up-to-date research on aging, and the critique of ageism in both the culture at large and in the church make this a very important work. I have found it encouraging and challenging both personally and clinically and recommend it wholeheartedly regardless of one’s vocation or place in life.”
“The authors have succeeded in giving guidance to all individuals who are interested in living wisely with purpose and resilience despite whatever challenges they face. They have focused on the challenges associated with aging. They share personal faith journeys and provide evidence-based guidance that have great practical applications. Inclusion of specific guidance on developing a parent care readiness plan and conducting life reviews make this book an especially helpful and unique resource.”