At the United Church Homes Center for Abundant Aging’s Symposium on Creativity & Aging, held on October 31, leaders, practitioners and partners came together to explore a powerful truth: creative expression is not limited by age — it is expanded by it.

This year’s Symposium focused on how creativity fuels wellbeing across the lifespan. Experts shared evidence-based insights on the benefits of lifelong learning, the role of curiosity and self-expression, and how older adults thrive when given new avenues to explore identity, purpose, joy and community. Attendees were encouraged to consider how creativity can reconnect us with what makes us feel most alive.

For one attendee’s son, the message hit home in a deeply personal way.

A Moment of Inspiration: David’s Story

Lars Olsen, longtime friend and supporter of United Church Homes, left the Symposium with more than notes and inspiration — he left with a renewed idea for his 92-year-old father, David.

David had played trumpet in the University of Minnesota marching band in the 1950s, but life, work and time pulled him away from his instrument. He hadn’t held a trumpet in decades.

After hearing speakers discuss the transformative impact of creativity and lifelong learning, Lars felt a spark. Why not help his dad reconnect with a passion from his past? Inspired by the Symposium, he signed David up for trumpet lessons.

The result? Something extraordinary.

David had his first lesson recently — and he has been eagerly anticipating it for days. Picking up the trumpet again takes effort and he’s using muscles he hasn’t used in years, but the joy is unmistakable. After just one lesson, he signed up for weekly Friday sessions because of how good it made him feel.

Lars said: “Your event made a real difference in his life — and in ours.”

To make this story even more meaningful, David is also being served by United Church Homes’ NaviGuide service, making this a beautiful example of how United Church Homes programs work together to support older adults thrive with meaning, purpose and connection.

Why This Matters

Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, Director of the Center for Abundant Aging and Vice President of Engagement said, “David’s story is exactly what the Symposium hopes to spark each year — real moments of growth, joy and rediscovery in the lives of professionals, older adults and their families.”

Creativity changes lives. Sometimes in big ways. Sometimes in quiet, beautiful ways — like a 92-year-old man picking up his trumpet again.

This is the difference United Church Homes is dedicated to making.

The post A 92-Year-Old’s First Trumpet Lesson in 70 Years appeared first on United Church Homes.

A Familiar Challenge
My daughter is very petite for her age, and she always has been. In fact, most of the time when I get my sewing machine out, it’s to take in the side seams of her dresses and skirts. I usually shorten her shoulder straps by hand (or, when I’m rushed, with safety pins). I have known how to do this intuitively as she’s gotten older, because I’m placing the stitches and safety pins exactly where my mom used to place them for adolescent me. She has the same physical stature I had growing up, so I assume any dress from the store will require the straps to be shortened and the bodice to come in at the seams if she wants it to fit right. For most occasions, I can get away with just pinning the shoulder straps back a bit. I use the same hack my mom used on me– a safety pin or two between my shoulder blades, or at the back of each shoulder strap, and a nice little sweater so no one would see that it wasn’t perfectly done.

We have the same bickering arguments my mom and I had while trying to rush out the door to an event– “it’s too itchy.” “just stand still for one second.” “I’ll just wear something else.” “It’s fine.” (In this context, read “fine” as a four-letter-word).

The Offer That Surprised Me
So a couple weeks ago I asked her about what she wants to wear for her first high school homecoming dance. We looked online for a while, for ideas and inspiration, struggling to find something that fit her alternative style AND fit in her size range. After scrolling through a dozen websites, I heard the words leaving my mouth, “I can just make you a dress.”

Back up. Did I just offer to make a semi-formal dress from scratch? Our family is in perhaps the busiest season of our lives. My husband and I both have emotionally heavy and mentally draining full-time jobs. We have three kids (the other two are in middle school and elementary school). They all have their own activities and commitments… and feelings and obstacles and relationships. How and why did those words just come out of my mouth: “I can just make you a dress?”

Visible Progress, Tangible Joy
I know why, actually. Sometimes I just need a project with a start and a finish. In the midst of all the chaos of life– personal and communal– there’s something to be said for manual labor with a visible result. Most of my daily work– as a pastor, as a parent, and as a neighbor, doesn’t come with a tidy ending. There’s no “I did it!” when it comes to sitting with someone in their grief, or discerning God’s call to our Outreach Team. There’s no “check that off your list!” when it comes to helping my youngest overcome her struggle with night terrors or teaching my son how to be a good friend when he’s stuck in the middle of two friends who don’t get along. There’s no “we fixed it” when it comes to bringing about justice and peace in our community and the world.

But there is a, “look what I made!” when it comes to finishing a sweet flowy homecoming dress for my smart, quirky, beautiful daughter. When the words, “I can just make you a dress” left my mouth, they were coming out of my creative heart, yearning for a project with a start and finish.

***

I’m near the end of that project now. It hasn’t been without obstacles (like I said, it’s been a while since I made a whole piece of clothing start to finish). It hasn’t been without bickering (I think I could copy and paste the same “try this on” arguments I had with my mom when I was 14). But wow does it feel good to create visible progress; to make something happen with my own hands; to say, “look what I did!”

This process has also unlocked some good memories, inspired me to look at things a little differently, and created new memories that I hope my daughter and I will both look back on in years to come. And– bonus points– time spent working on a project means I’m taking a break from “doomscrolling” through the constant influx of upsetting news updates.

Creativity for Everyone
As we move toward this year’s Abundant Aging Symposium about Igniting Creative Potential, I know we will talk about many different aspects of creativity. Rev. Beth Long-Higgins wrote about many of those different ways so beautifully in her last blog post. I wonder if others need “start and finish” creative projects like I do. This doesn’t have to be something as complex as making a homecoming dress. It can be anything– an evening coloring in a coloring book, rearranging your living room (you can envision it, and then ask someone to do the physical labor!), taking a woodworking or watercolor class, or even doing a puzzle with friends. Creativity does not require you to be an excellent seamstress or a world-renowned painter, but it does have the potential to unlock parts of our hearts and our minds that we are yearning for, and discovering something beautiful about ourselves and the world around us.

by Rev. Joanna D’Agostino

Click to learn more about the:
Tenth Annual Abundant Aging Symposium
Ignite Creative Potential: The Aging Superpower
Exploring New Options, Self-Expression and Experiencing Joy
Friday, October 31, 2025 9:45 am to 3:15pm
In Person and Online | The Ohioan (formerly Nationwide Hotel), Columbus, Ohio

The post The Dress That Reminded Me Why Creating Matters appeared first on United Church Homes.

Last fall, we rolled our tired, sagging pumpkins down the hill behind the house, like we do every year — not with any gardening ambition, just with the thought that they’d be better off rotting out back than decaying on the front porch.

And rot they did.

But a few weeks ago, we came home from church camp and noticed a leafy vine crawling up from a low, quiet spot near a tree stump in the side yard. My husband went to check it out and tucked beneath the shaded leaves was a small green pumpkin, swelling at the end of the vine. We hadn’t watered it, planted it, or cared for it in any way. We’d done absolutely nothing. And yet here it was — something beautiful, growing.

Not the First Time

It wasn’t even the first time. Years ago, a pumpkin sprouted in gravel of all places. Our son, who was five at the time, was thrilled. We hadn’t tried to grow that one either. We’ve got a decent track record at being accidental pumpkin farmers. Or maybe, more accurately, we’ve been witnesses to grace in the most unlikely places.

After a few laughs this year about our pumpkin trash still hanging on, it hit me:

Isn’t that just like God?
Working in the most unlikely places.
In what feels like waste.
In what we throw away or overlook or never meant to do anything with at all.
God makes a way.

Created to Create
We are created by a wildly creative God — something I just can’t get over. I mean, just look around: intelligent design, everywhere. And what’s even better is the God who spoke the universe into being, who formed beauty out of dust, continues to create even now — in us and through us. That means creativity isn’t a hobby or a bonus skill for “artsy” people. It’s part of our very design. It’s who we are.

And yet, we’re so quick to count ourselves out.

“I’m not a creative person.”
“I don’t have any talent.”
“I’ve never been good at that.”
“I’m too old.”
“It’s too late.”

But this little pumpkin, growing out of nowhere, says otherwise.

God is Still Creating
Creativity often sprouts in places we don’t expect. It shows up not just in painting or music, but in how we adapt, how we love, how we problem-solve and reimagine and keep moving forward — even when the path isn’t clear. It shows up in how we care for others, how we face change, how we build something new in seasons that feel like endings.

God didn’t stop creating after Genesis 1. He’s still in the business of making things grow. And He’s still inviting us to co-create with Him — in big ways and small. Even after God created the animals, He brought them to Adam to name. “Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.” Genesis 2:19 ESV. From the beginning God has invited us not just to witness His work, but to be a part of it.

We can look at the unexpected growth in our lives and say, “I didn’t ask for this.”
“I’m not a gardener.”
“I don’t know what to do with this.”

Or we can lean in, tend to what’s growing, and watch what God might do.

We get to choose. We can cut it down. Or we can let it grow.

So here’s to pumpkins in the side yard — and to the beautiful, surprising ways creativity takes root, even when we least expect it.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.— Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

Click to learn more about the:
Tenth Annual Abundant Aging Symposium
Ignite Creative Potential: The Aging Superpower
Exploring New Options, Self-Expression and Experiencing Joy
Friday, October 31, 2025 9:45 am to 3:15pm
In Person and Online | The Ohioan (formerly Nationwide Hotel), Columbus, Ohio

The post Pumpkin in the Side Yard appeared first on United Church Homes.

To be Human is to be Creative

Rooted in the creation stories from the book of Genesis, those in the Judeo-Christian traditions believe that human beings are created imago Dei, in the image of God who is the creator of all that is. So if we are earth-bound beings are in the image of the Creator, creativity is core to our being human.

In the creation story from Genesis 2, the Creator tells the first human to name all of the animals that God has created. Giving a name to something is a creative act because the name previously was not established or given. It requires imagination.

When the human is told to tend and keep the garden, that is a creative act. Planting seeds in the ground requires thinking about the plant that is yet to grow and finding ways to bring forth the harvest. This depends on conceptualizing how each plant will grow.

Raising children, as the first couple is instructed to do in the mandate to “be fruitful and multiply’, is a creative process, as parents throughout time have discovered. Trying to anticipate outcomes that haven’t happened, finding ways to teach the individual personalities of each child, establishing ways to provide safety are creative acts. Try getting a child to do something they don’t want to do, for instance, can require a lot of creative thinking on behalf of the parents!

Creativity and Play

And speaking of kids, just as we assume that all children play, so too should we assume that all adults can be creative. Play can be an important catalyst to creativity and innovation. Play has to do with any activity that we do for the sake of the experience without regard for producing something. It allows us to experiment, explore and develop ideas that lead to different outcomes. And those new outcomes, those different solutions, are the result of creativity. It provides fuel for creativity throughout our lives.

And even if we are not all artists, we do know that creativity is much more expansive than artistic endeavors:

“The essence of creativity is to look at the world around us, see how it is and imaging other possibilities that are not immediately present or based on our immediate personal experience. Creativity is seeing the possibilities and then trying to make those imaginings into material reality.”
– Agustín Fuentes, The Creative Spark: How Imagination Made Humans Exceptional

As we age, there are any number of changes that are happening in our physical bodies. Some of these changes are a normal part of living. Other changes are the result of disease processes associated with aging. For instance, we all can experience the loss of muscle mass and we find that we can no longer physically manage a task that in previous years was unconsciously completed.

We all find creative solutions, new ways of doing things, if only for ourselves, in order to do what we need to do every day. For instance, we may buy a half-gallon of milk instead of a heavy gallon jug which is too difficult to carry to the kitchen. Or we buy slip-on shoes when tying laces becomes difficult. Or we keep the rubber jar-lid opener by the door into the house from the garage because our hand can no longer turn the mechanism in the round doorknob.  Coming up with a new method to complete those tasks and learning those new ways, are all creative processes.

Creativity as We Age

The role of creativity as we age will be the focus at this year’s annual Symposium. Not all of the changes that happen as we age are about loss and decline. In fact, there is much evidence that creativity increases and is even more beneficial to supporting our physical, mental and spiritual health in later life. Additionally, we will look at how creative activities related to the arts can also be therapeutic in promoting health and wellbeing. Some would say that the aging process allows the brain to work better and be more agile which promotes creativity. Life’s experience helps older adults see patterns, solve complex problems and imagine new possibilities as both of the brain’s hemispheres work in tandem.

We will take a look at the role of creativity as we age and how it benefits the well-being of individuals and our communities. We will consider how creativity can help create openings of connection for those living with dementia. We will hear from researchers who work in the area of creativity and aging in their professional lives and those who are experiencing the benefits personally as they themselves are aging into late life. And we will explore and experience a variety of research, evidence based creative programs that are improving the lives of older adults today.

Come join us in person on the north side of Columbus. Beginning at 9:00 there will be opportunities for participants to get their creative juices flowing! The formal programming will begin at 9:45.

Or join us on-line via zoom throughout the day. There will be opportunities for on-line participants to interact via chat and bring their questions into the space for interactions with the presenters as well.

You can get more information here or use the QR code. 

We are so excited for this event and the possibility that you will join us! Come and let your creativity be ignited to the possibilities that aging provides!

For Reflection (either individually or with a group)

Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.

• Are you creative? If you can imagine new things, processes, systems, constructs, solutions or ideas that do not currently exist, you ARE creative.
• How are you creative? Share a recent example of your creativity.
• Do you feel a sense of accomplishment when you find a creative solution to a problem?

Download a pdf including the Reflection Questions to share and discuss with friends, family, or members of your faith community small group.

The post Ignite Creative Potential: The Aging Superpower appeared first on United Church Homes.

Reflecting on the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, Benjamin Franklin famously wrote: “Our new Constitution is now established and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

While Franklin’s insight was wise, the reality of those two certainties hit differently. Our Constitution, though amended and reinterpreted over time, remains a foundational pillar of American life. And while taxes arrive like clockwork, the certainty of death is far more unpredictable.

Why Do We Avoid Talking About Death

We were created to age, and because we were created to age, we must also come to terms with the inevitability of life’s final chapter. Yet, too often, we shy away from talking about it. Later Life and End of Life Planning might feel like an uncomfortable subject, but it is one of the greatest gifts we can leave to those who remain after us.

When we plan early, we offer those we love clarity and peace of mind in a time that will otherwise be filled with grief and uncertainty. From documenting our wishes for a funeral, ensuring financial affairs are in order, to leaving behind messages of love and guidance, these small but significant steps create a smoother transition for those who will carry on.

I was fortunate enough to experience firsthand how powerful this gift can be. My parents, with love and foresight, took the time to plan for their passing. At the time, I resisted the conversation. I didn’t want to think about a world without them in it. The thought of discussing funeral arrangements and final wishes felt too painful, too distant. But my dad, with gentle wisdom, reassured me with words I’ll never forget: “You’ll thank me for this one day.” And he was right.

When my mom passed, the plans they had made together became a source of comfort rather than a burden. In the midst of grief, we didn’t have to wrestle with uncertainty or difficult decisions, we already knew her wishes, and we could carry them out with confidence and love. Instead of being consumed by logistics, we had the space to focus on celebrating her life, cherishing her memory, and leaning on each other for support.

My dad, still with us, remains a living testament to the importance of Later Life and End of Life Planning, ensuring that when his time comes, the decisions and plans have already been made, and his loved ones will be cared for in the same way.

It’s the Little Things

One of the most thoughtful things my mom did was something seemingly small but incredibly important—she wrote down all her account usernames and passwords to every digital source she used in a notebook mostly because she couldn’t always remember what they were. At first, I never considered how vital that would be, but when the time came, it made a world of difference. We didn’t have to struggle to gain access to necessary accounts, manage financial matters, or close out services. We had everything at our fingertips because she had thought ahead. Her simple act of writing these things down saved us from frustration and uncertainty during an already emotional time.

Preparation is Spiritual

But beyond the practical side of planning, there is also undeniable spiritual peace that comes with knowing everything is in place. Just as we nurture our souls through faith, reflection, and connection, preparing for our departure can be an extension of that journey. It allows us to leave this world with a sense of completeness, unburdened by loose ends, and with the assurance that our loved ones will be cared for not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

The reality is that one day, each of us will reach the inevitable end to our earthly journey. We cannot predict the date, but we can prepare for what comes after. And in doing so, we relieve others of the burden of uncertainty, allowing them the space to mourn and heal rather than scramble through details and decisions.

Later Life and End of Life Planning isn’t just about our passing, it is an act of love, ensuring that those we love are supported when they need it most.

Begin your ‘Act of Love’ by visiting https://www.unitedchurchhomes.org/blog/later-life-planning/
and utilizing the free printable or downloadable Later Life Planning Form today for peace of mind tomorrow.

So go ahead and start planning. What are you waiting for? I’ll tell you what I have now told my children and grandchildren. “You’ll thank me for this one day.”

For Reflection (either individually or with a group)

Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.

• Have you had “the talk” with your loved ones? Why or why not?
• What are the reasons to do this that outweigh the fear of not wanting to have a potentially difficult conversation with your loved ones?
• What’s one thing you can do today to make your passing easier for those you love?

Download a pdf including the Reflection Questions to share and discuss with friends, family, or members of your faith community small group.

Rev. Darla Metz is from Tiffin, Ohio and works as the Chaplain for Community Engagement for United Church Homes’ Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging. Darla is also a local UCC pastor for 13 years at Republic UCC and St. Jacob’s UCC in Republic, Ohio. She has been married to her husband Tim for 27 years and together they have raised four children and are Nana and Papa to 11 grandchildren.

The post You’ll Thank Me for This One Day appeared first on United Church Homes.

”I discovered things I never knew about other faiths. It was such a good class.”

“I really liked learning and thinking more through the discussions and small groups.”

“I signed up for the class for something to do but found I was surprised how much I loved connecting with others and hearing their experiences of aging.”

Research has shown that learning new things, such as exploring new subjects, stimulates the brain and can help maintain or even improve cognitive abilities like memory, problem-solving, and attention.

Another great resource from The Center for Abundant Aging, Abundant Aging Classes are online Zoom classes to encourage, celebrate, refresh and nourish spiritual lives of older adults.  Facilitated by professionals with experience in ministry, group spiritual direction, chaplaincy or other specialized areas related to spirituality and aging, the classes include participants from around the country.

Upcoming Classes Include:

How to Be a Blesser to Others and to Yourself  (begins Sept. 16)

Chair Yoga for Movement    (begins Oct. 2)

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Scams    (offered Oct. 6)

Intermissio: A Pause to Listen in a More Profound Way     (begins Oct. 22)

An Act of Love: Preparing Today for Peace of Mind    (begins Nov. 10)

Surviving Holiday Grief      (date to be confirmed)

For more information about each class, click on the link or go to www.UnitedChurchHomes.org/blog/category/courses/

The Power of Curiosity

Are you a curious person? It has been argued that curiosity makes us more intelligent—enhancing our critical thinking skills and making us more likely to question assumptions, challenge beliefs, assess evidence, and so make better, more informed decisions. In fact, Albert Einstein actually stated that “curiosity is more important than intelligence.”

In fact, longevity experts are advising older adults to take up new hobbies and engage in new pursuits—like learning a foreign language, yoga, dancing, or playing a musical instrument—to counteract inevitable declines in brain functioning and stimulate, or revitalize, our brains.

Becoming More Curious

What can you do if you would like to develop a deeper sense of curiosity?

One way is to begin to ask questions. Think of those five questions you might have learned in an English or writing class in school: Who? What? Why? When? And How?

As an example, if you were interested in learning how to better protect yourself from financial scams and fraud, you might ask: Who is most likely to be a victim? What are the most common types of scams? Why is someone more likely to participate in a scam? When is fraud more likely to occur? And How do I ensure I don’t inadvertently become a target for scammers?

To learn more about the answers to these questions, you could research them yourself or you could take our Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Scams class which begins Oct. 6^th.

Curiosity and learning have many benefits. Consider signing up for a class, maybe one of the Center for Abundant Aging classes, or a class from your local college or university through Ohio’s “Program 60” where residents age 60 and older can attend classes at state colleges and universities tuition-free on a non-credit basis, subject to space availability and sometimes instructor approval. Many states have similar programs. Also consider classes offered by AARP or your local library or community center.

Discovering new things can be even more fun when done with a friend or family member. Find someone else who may have a similar interest.

Would you like to explore the vital and often overlooked role of creativity in aging well? Plan to participate in person or online at the Abundant Aging Symposium, Ignite Creative Potential: The Aging Superpower. Exploring New Options, Self-Expression and Experiencing Joy on Friday, Oct. 31^st.

For Reflection (either individually or with a group)

Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.

• Would you describe yourself as a curious person? Why or why not?
• About what topic, are you most curious to know more?
• Do you have any plans to take a class or explore more about a subject? If not, what is stopping you?

Courtesy of The Center for Abundant Aging, promoting the riches of Abundant Aging; advocating for an inclusive society that conquers ageism; and delivering education and resources to transform how we think about elderhood.
Blog: Copyright 2025, Kim Moeller. All Rights Reserved. Photo designed by Freepik.

The post Learning through Abundant Aging Classes appeared first on United Church Homes.

Aging is something we all do from the moment we take our first breath—but truly living abundantly as we age is an art, a calling and a joy. That’s why we’re launching “Abundant Focus: Resources for Living,” a new monthly series from the Center for Abundant Aging and United Church Homes.

Each month, we’ll shine a spotlight on resources, programs and practical tools to help you or your loved ones navigate the world of aging services with confidence and purpose. Think of this as your connection hub—your go-to place to learn, explore and grow. Whether you’re an older adult yourself, a caregiver, or someone walking alongside aging parents or grandparents, we’re here to help you understand what’s available and how to embrace this journey with abundance.

What will we explore together?

We’ll be diving into all kinds of meaningful topics, including:

• Abundant Aging Courses & Podcast — Insights and conversations with experts and everyday people living abundantly.
• Annual Symposium — Where thought leaders and community members gather to discuss aging, meaning and purpose.
• Later Life Planning & Educational Resources — Guidance on financial, healthcare and personal decisions to prepare for what’s next.
• NaviGuide — Personalized support to help older adults and families navigate complex care and lifestyle decisions.
• Understanding Care Levels — What’s the difference between independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing? We’ll break it down.
• Chaplain Support & Spiritual Care — Tending to the spirit and heart through every season of life.
• Recognizing Loneliness & Finding Connection — Because abundant living is richer when we’re truly connected.
• And so much more.

This series is designed to equip you with knowledge, inspire you with stories and give you practical next steps—so you can age (or help someone you love age) abundantly, intentionally and like a pro.

I’ve always loved an adventure!

I’ll never forget sitting at the dinner table with a woman who was considering a move to the retirement community where I worked. She called it her “next big move”—leaving the old farmhouse she’d lived in for decades to start fresh somewhere new.

I braced for tears or at least a little hesitation, which was typically the case. But instead, she leaned back in her chair, grinned, and said, “Honey, I’ve always loved an adventure. I figure I’ll make new friends, join a new club and finally let someone else mow the lawn for a change!”

That moment has always stuck with me. Aging doesn’t have to be something to fear—it can be a season of new beginnings, new purpose and abundant life. Sometimes all it takes is the right support, the right mindset, and the right nudge to see what’s possible.

That’s exactly what we hope to offer through this series: inspiration and resources to help you embrace the next chapter with joy, confidence and maybe even a little sense of adventure.

Join us on this journey

We’d love for you to subscribe, follow along each month and even share questions or topics you’d like us to cover. Together, let’s discover how to live—and age—abundantly at every stage.

Stay tuned for our first feature coming next week. Until then, here’s to living abundantly!

COMING NEXT WEEK

Discover our Abundant Aging Courses, a series of online Zoom classes to encourage, celebrate, refresh and nourish spiritual lives of older adults. Facilitated by professionals with experience in ministry, group spiritual direction, chaplaincy or other specialized areas related to spirituality and aging, the classes feature topics such as chair yoga, telling your faith story, and how to bless others and yourself.

The post Abundant Focus: Resources for Living appeared first on United Church Homes.

June 1st, 2023: “CONGRATULATIONS! It’s a Boy!”

And with that, we had two months to prepare our home for the arrival of Elia, a 17-year-old exchange student from Switzerland. What was meant to be a simple hosting arrangement morphed into a delightful adventure filled with culinary escapades, cultural exchanges, and a touch of chaos.

Armed with a fondue pot and a whirlwind of excitement, we embarked on our comedic journey into “parenting,” eager to blend our American lifestyles with his vibrant Swiss traditions. Little did we know that this whimsical year would serve up invaluable lessons, unforgettable memories, and a hearty dose of laughter, all wrapped up in the bond we formed as an unconventional family!

Greetings, dear readers of The Center for Abundant Aging! As one of your newest blog writers, I’m excited to share our whimsical tale of “parenting” experiences. My husband Tyler and I, a childless gay couple, opened our home to Elia from Switzerland, through the Youth for Understanding Exchange program. Little did we know this adventure would serve up some of the most delicious and humorous parenting lessons imaginable!

Arrival and the Walmart Chronicles

The saga began when Elia’s luggage decided not to tour the world with him. After a long day filled with excitement, baffling airplane food, and no clean socks, he arrived at our home with nothing but the clothes on his back. Our first evening together turned into an unexpected trip to Walmart.

Picture this: Elia’s wide-eyed gaze of exhaustion as Tyler, brimming with enthusiasm, asked if he needed a loofah. After what felt like minutes of stunned silence, Elia gave him the most confused look a 17-year-old can muster. Apparently, “loofah” doesn’t translate as a necessity in Swiss culture; once Tyler explained what a “Loofah” was. Lesson One: a zealous host should prioritize essentials like socks over shower accessories when meeting a new, exhausted, housemate.

Family Dinners and Culinary Connections

Once Elia’s luggage finally arrived, he transformed our casual dinners into festive family gatherings. Dinner time became sacred “family time” as Elia insisted we all share meals at the dining room table almost every night. As a chef, I couldn’t be more ecstatic!

Elia introduced us to delightful Swiss flavors, while I responded by offering my culinary creations—a wonderful melting pot of cultures! Along the way, we bonded over ingredients and recipes, realizing we could build connections through food. Lesson Two: sometimes, the best way to connect is to gather around a meal and share stories (and, of course, suggestions on how to make it better).

The International Grocery Adventure

Our culinary journey would not be complete without a trip to Jungle Jim’s, an international grocery store in Ohio! As we strolled through the aisles, Elia became our tour guide of sorts, excitedly pointing out items he recognized from home.

“Is that Swiss cheese?” Tyler asked, holding a block labeled “Gourmet Swiss.” Elia shot him a look of mock horror. “Not Swiss! It’s just a block of cheese pretending to be Swiss!” he exclaimed, sparking laughter. He then eagerly began showing us what was truly Swiss and what was simply masquerading with fake accents—like “Swiss Miss” hot cocoa, which he firmly declared should be renamed “American Chocolate Drink with a Swiss Name.”

Through Elia’s amused commentary, we learned that every culture has its nuances, and food is one of the most enlightening ways to understand them. Lesson Three: exploring new culinary landscapes together uncovers not only flavors but also fosters deeper connections and laughter.

The Great Pretzel Debate

One memorable day, while we were poolside, our 4-year-old niece EllenLucille was munching on crunchy pretzel sticks from a bag, delighting in her snack. Elia, with the passion of a true Swiss, entered into a spirited debate over the authenticity of her snack.

With a flourish, he exclaimed, “That is not a real pretzel! It should be called a chip!”

EllenLucille, undeterred and fueled by the sass of a 4-year-old girl, engaged in a back-and-forth argument with him. After a few moments of animated “discussion,” she paused, gave him a long, incredulous stare, and finished the conversation with a stoic declaration: “It’s a pretzel.” With that, she skipped away, leaving Elia to ponder the might of a determined child’s logic. Lesson Four: never underestimate the wisdom—and unwavering confidence—of children in a debate.

Enchanted Christmas Gatherings

As the holidays drew near, Elia became enamored with how extensive my extended family was—and how often we gathered. Our family Christmas traditions were a spectacle, from elaborate decorations to spirited assignments—everyone played a role! Recognizing how much we cherished the movie “Christmas Vacation”, Elia prepared a surprise performance of a classic scene from the movie for our family gathering.

When the time came for him to “Add a prayer”, he delivered it with all the flair and humor we could have asked for. The room erupted with laughter as he invoked Aunt Bethany’s spirited confusions, especially when he stumbled through the “pledge” in a hilariously muddled way, while wanting us to be impressed that he in just a few short weeks had memorized. In that moment, we were reminded of how shared stories—as comical as they may be—serve to strengthen our family bonds. Lesson Five: embracing shared traditions—no matter how imperfectly executed—can bring families closer together, creating connections that transcend cultures.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

These are just the tip of the iceberg of the lessons we learned in our time with Elia. As our year with Elia drew to a close, we held tightly to the memories we had created amidst laughter, culinary adventures, and heartfelt moments. When it was time for him to leave, the airline graciously allowed us to accompany him to the gate.

As we stood there, a bittersweet feeling enveloped us. Just before it was time to board his plane, Elia hugged us both, his face bright with emotion, and declared, “You will be my dads forever.”

As he boarded the plane, he turned around one last time, to wave, and say “Thank You!”. In that moment, my heart melted. Our year together had transformed an exchange program into a true family experience. Lesson Six: love knows no boundaries, and connections made through shared experiences can shape forever.

Ultimately, as we bid farewell to Elia, we knew we had forged a lifelong relationship. Our hearts, much like our family table, will always have a seat ready for our beloved Swiss son—wherever he may roam.

So here’s to playful adventures, cultural exchanges, and the heartwarming lessons of international friendship. May we always seek to expand our horizons, one meal (and giggle) at a time!

For Reflection (either individually or with a group)

Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.

• Have you had the experience of spending a good deal of time with someone from a culture very different than your own? If so, what did you learn from them?
• Did they have any traditions that you integrated into your life?
• What can you do in the next few months to reach out to build a connection with someone whose life has been quite different from yours?
• What is important for you to share with them about your life story?
• How will you best open your heart and mind to them to ask questions to become better acquainted with their life?

Download a pdf including the Reflection Questions to share and discuss with friends, family, or members of your faith community small group.

Anthony Spearhart is a Member-in-Discernment and a UCC licensed pastor currently serving at St. Paul UCC in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He has been an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association since 2013. Before moving into his second career as a pastor, he was a chef, who worked at Walt Disney World. He and his husband Tyler enjoy the beach and their two Great Danes.

Courtesy of The Center for Abundant Aging,
advocating for a just, inclusive society conquering ageism;
delivering education and resources to transform how we think about elderhood; and cultivating the riches of Abundant Aging through transformational collaborations.
Blog: Copyright 2025, Anthony Spearhart, All Rights Reserved.
Photo courtesy of author.

The post Pretzels, Prayers, and Parenting: A Whimsical Year with Our Swiss Son appeared first on United Church Homes.

The day began like any other day at Disney. After waking, we dressed and ate breakfast then promptly went to catch the Disney bus that would take us to EPCOT. In the morning, these buses are absolutely nuts. They are filled to the brim with excited children and adults. Everyone was full of energy and anticipating a spectacular day at Disney World. And yes, many of the passengers, both children and adults, were proudly wearing their mouse ears.

However, by mid-afternoon, I was worn out and decided to go back to our hotel room for a short nap. I boarded the bus and found, unlike the morning, it was practically empty. There were just four of us on board. Besides myself, a mom and her two young sons sat across from me. The mom looked exhausted and the children were fractious. The excitement and energy were long gone, replaced with whining and a few tears.

The youngest child was waving around a plastic souvenir light saber, coming awfully close to giving his older brother a good whap. In a firm no nonsense manner the mom said, “Give that to me and sit down! You can play with it later. You can have a snack and a drink when we get back to the hotel room. You will just have to wait.”

A Smile Communicates

She said all of this in Chinese. I don’t speak Chinese, but that didn’t seem to matter. I looked over at this mom, and we both smiled and so much was communicated back and forth between us. She was apologizing for her cranky child, and I was telling her that I understood because I had been there myself. My smile also told this tired mom to try to enjoy even the difficult parts because they grow up so fast.

This same phenomenon occurred while I was visiting a beach in Maine’s Acadia National Park. As I was sitting on my towel, I did some people watching and zeroed in on families with little kids. Moms were speaking in French, Spanish, and Dutch, and even though I don’t speak French or Dutch and minimal Spanish, it was absolutely clear what they were saying. And, I noted, they were all saying the same things, “Get back over here, I need to put sunscreen on you.” “Watch your little sister.” “Do not jump off that rock.” “It’s okay sweetheart, it’s just a scratch. Let me give you a hug.”

The Same in Any Language

At the time, I remember chuckling and not thinking too much about it, but then when I had my experience on the Disney bus something clicked. I realized something bigger and more profound was going on. I understood in a deeper more complete way that mothering, nurturing and loving is the same in all languages.

I suppose prior to this “aha” moment, I would have said that, of course, mother’s all over the world love their children. However, I would not have understood how deeply every mother and, indeed, anyone else who “mothers”—whether it be grandkids, nieces and nephews, or the kids at church—are connected to one another as we work to raise the next generation.

This connection is not a tenuous thing. Regardless of where we live, what language we speak, what religion we practice, or what political party we belong to, this connection does not break. Like it or not, raising young humans binds humanity beyond any conflict or difference we might have with one another.

Realizing this profound connection I have with mothers and nurturers everywhere comforts me. Indeed, even with all the painful and unjust things in this world, it makes me feel a little better to know that I could be in a room with any mom from any place around the world and we would communicate just fine. After all, we speak the same language – the language of mom.

For Reflection (either individually or with a group)

Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.

• Are there people with whom you have a deep connection such as the author described with other moms? If so, with whom?
• If not, why do you think that is?
• Do all those who are aging have any responsibility to help to positively raise the next generation?

Download a pdf including the Reflection Questions to share and discuss with friends, family, or members of your faith community small group.

Courtesy of The Center for Abundant Aging, advocating for a just, inclusive society conquering ageism; delivering education and resources to transform how we think about elderhood; and cultivating the riches of Abundant Aging through transformational collaborations.

Blog: Copyright 2025, Lisa B. Thomas, All Rights Reserved. Photo designed by Freepik.

The post The Language of Mom appeared first on United Church Homes.

Sometimes when I look back on my life, it seems like the years of early parenting were just a blur of endurance, living each day just to get to the next. I know we were more intentional than that, but the memories that stick out for me are the moments of stress and uncertainty and the simple weight of caring for other people.

At first, I found myself revisiting, reviewing and even critiquing the trajectory of parenting in those years. Seeing places where I felt inadequate, knowing there were times of triumph but not resting there in satisfaction.

The stand-out moments seem so clear to me. My adult kids, though, remember an entirely different set of moments; largely moments I either do not remember or remember quite differently. Maybe this is typical. I think it may be.

Different Generations, Different Memories

For instance, I remember with panicked clarity an episode in the bathroom that ended with a broken mirror and the wild relief that came with the realization that no one had a scratch on them. There were tears. Despite the fact that both of my children were in the room, neither remembers the event. On the other hand, what seemed to me a rather innocuous urging of my son to just “drink the milk” at an airport meal—just to be sure he had some food value before flying—is a life-searing memory of parental pressure, more tears, and vomiting for him.

In the earliest days, what I do remember, though, is the mystical time of yearning for a child, the counting of days, the excitement of using one of the first-generation home pregnancy tests, a call to the doctor, and the confirmation of a new life. We simply moved from one day to the next through that process and then we entered a time of more counting, waiting, and finally—a baby was born. (Life did not proceed so simply all the time, and my husband and I experienced a measure of grief and loss during those years, too.)

Through all of this, my faith has held me firm. Even when times felt like they were spiraling ahead without a plan, I knew God was with me, in our lives. A favorite verse remains with me even as I age:

Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ (Isaiah 30:20-21)

This is the way, walk in it. Keep going. Persevere through adversity.

Season of Grandparenting

But moving through this next season of life, now a grandparent I find a different sense of parenting. I find myself not in such a season of judgment, but one of reflection and a sense of providence in life. The presence of God in every step on the way is much more evident to me. I can see the whole of the arc of caring and nurturing and know that, with God’s steadying hand, I did parent well and with care. Even when my husband died when our children were teenagers, this confidence sustained me. Take one step, then another. And we did.

Today, my perspective is one of looking forward. I am learning so much from my adult children and their spouses; I have more time to consider how to respond to grandchildren; our time together is cherished rather than endured, intentional rather than formless.

I find myself looking forward, sensing a responsibility to a future I may not see. Thinking about and planning ways to fill my grandchildren with the power of my love, the sense of a God they can trust, the joy and hope of new life. Rather than turning over the crystalized moments of life in the past, I want to pull them into the days ahead.

Scripture Through Hymns

Scripture comes to me in this season, of course, from a favorite hymn. Psalm 145 says: “One generation will call to the next: ‘Our God is good, and God’s hand is strong!’ All of the world sings his marvelous acts, and our voice will join with theirs in the song.” Each generation takes up the song of God’s providence, the refrain of a family’s history and traditions, the tune of life in harmony with one another and with God’s purposes.

This is the way, walk in it to sing God’s song into the next generation.

I pray that my grandchildren will come to know a power greater than themselves, rooted in love, grounded in the beauty of the world, sustained to purpose that brings them joy.

Maybe this is not the day-to-day safety of electrical outlet caps and the ever-present commitment to healthy eating, the responsibility of care, or the teaching of boundaries and limits of first-time parenting. This is the spaciousness of simply loving grandchildren into the people they will become—with joy and security.

May it be so.

For Reflection (either individually or with a group)

Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.

• What are one or two of the most important things you learned from an adult when you were young?
• What, if any, are your one or two strongest memories with your children or with a child for whom you may have been caring?
• What are 3 ideas or values you would most like to pass along to generations coming after to you?

Download a pdf including the Reflection Questions to share and discuss with friends, family, or members of your faith community small group.

Courtesy of The Center for Abundant Aging, advocating for a just, inclusive society conquering ageism;  delivering education and resources to transform how we think about elderhood; and cultivating the riches of Abundant Aging through transformational collaborations.

Blog: Copyright 2025, Rev. Ruth D. Fitzgerald, All Rights Reserved. Photo designed by Freepik.

The post Each Generation Calls to the Next appeared first on United Church Homes.