Aging isn’t a slow fade—it’s more like a nice steady rise to a life well lived. But let’s be honest: it’s not always easy. Our bodies change, our roles shift, and sometimes, the world feels like it’s moving just a bit too fast. That’s why the title from a famous Beatle’s song “I get by with a little help from my friends” carries such meaning for me. Whether you're navigating retirement, caring for aging parents, or simply trying to stay engaged, abundant aging begins with accepting support, not resisting it. It begins with asking for a little help from your friends.
There Is Power in Asking
As a pastor for two United Church of Christ churches and chaplain for United Church Homes, the words ”We are not meant to do life alone; We need each other” are words I use frequently when delivering a sermon or having a conversation with a member of my congregation or a resident in one of our communities.
Jesus himself had help along the way in his ministry as seen by his great following of disciples. He did ministry and life in community. We live in a culture that often glorifies independence. But aging well means knowing when to lean on others for a little support along the way, whether it’s emotional support, physical support or spiritual support. I am eternally grateful to be a chaplain for United Church Homes offering spiritual support, or just a listening ear, for residents and staff. The chaplains in our communities have the privilege of holding worship services, spiritual care, creative Bible studies, grief counseling, abundant aging workshop opportunities, as well as taking a meaningful part in the resident’s care plan with their families and health care professionals—all while walking alongside each person in their times of both joy and sorrow throughout their life’s journey.
Stay Curious and Creative 
Aging is about rediscovery. Did you know that being curious has health benefits? Studies have shown that being a curious person can give you a boost in happiness. Curious people tend to have more positive emotions and seem a bit more satisfied with life. Curiosity helps with memory retention and helps to relieve anxiety and depression. It also stimulates creativity, which can be a superpower as we age. If you’re curious about this, attend the Center for Abundant Aging’s annual Symposium with me on October 31st to learn more about the superpower of creativity and aging. Curiosity promotes healthy aging in all sorts of ways.
So why not let a friend help you find your curious self while at the same time exploring ways to enhance meaning and purpose in your life. Reconnect with old passions, explore new hobbies, write your story, literally. The possibilities are endless!
Nourishing Body and Spirit
Walks with a friend and my dog are always on my agenda when my schedule allows. Aging abundantly means treating your body like a trusted companion, not a failing machine. Move daily for your body and spirit, even if it is just taking time to do some deep breathing and stretching exercises. To help your body, mind and spirit even more is to schedule annual checkups, use medication reminders, hire a lawn service if you find you are unable to keep up with the lawn work the way you would like and schedule respite time if you are caring for another. If you need a little help with this, all of these and more can be scheduled and personalized for your needs by enrolling in the United Church Homes’ NaviGuide program, a subscription program with someone who is available to assist you in finding all the services you or your loved one may want or need in your area, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Other things to consider for your spiritual well-being, as well as your personal safety, might be installing grab bars where needed or using smart home devices to turn on lights before entering a room to prevent falls. On the lighter side, try staying socially active by finding a friend to join a club, attending a worship service or community event, or even singing in a choir. Though I may not be the best singer, I do love to sing loud and proud, especially in my car when I am alone. It is just good self-care for my soul. I have a wonderful friend who knows this about me and asked me to join a local community choir with her, and I have never regretted it! There truly is something for everyone. The world is your oyster ready and waiting for you to express your curious, creative self while at the same time finding nourishment for your soul.
Aging isn’t about loss, it’s about rediscovery. And remember, we all need a little help from our friends, occasionally. It’s in accepting help, we open the door to deeper relationships. By asking, you are allowing those you ask to enjoy the gift and blessing of giving to another.
So, here’s your invitation: ask for help, offer help and celebrate the help that makes aging a shared, beautiful journey.
by: Rev. Darla Metz, Chaplain for Community Engagement
