The goal? To change the way we think about aging in our homes, schools, workplaces, churches, communities and society.

Abundant Aging: Transforming the Conversation focuses on transforming aging, including advocacy issues, spirituality and aging, housing- and health-related issues and challenges and opportunities with living longer lives. The writers approach the blog as pastors and chaplains who are interested in helping to transform the conversation about aging in the context of faith, spirituality and the church.

The blog is a direct extension of work that started more than three years ago when a committee developed a new vision, mission and core values statement. Early in the process, a small group reflected on the prayer of Jesus in the Gospel of John: “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.”

“This idea of abundance began to take hold and would not free itself from the hearts and imaginations of those who were working on this process,” wrote Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, executive director of the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging, in the introductory blog.

Bloggers collaborate on pieces highlighting UCH’s Culture Change initiative, which is part of the new
I LIVE IT Hospitality program.
The Say What? series focuses on how language shapes perceptions about older adults. The goal is to move away from terms that originate in medical models toward language that highlights community and family settings.

Meet the Abundant Aging Bloggers

Rev. Beth Long-Higgins

Rev. Beth Long-Higgins is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, musician, fiber artist and mother of two adult children.

Rev. Becky King

Rev. Becky King is chaplain at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and dean of chaplains at United Church Homes. For more than three years, she served as pastor at Community United Church of Christ, Fort Seneca, Ohio.

Rev. Cathy Lawrence

Rev. Cathy Lawrence is a registered nurse and an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. She is a lifelong learner who loves to read and enjoys nature. She is the mother of two adult children and has one grandchild.

Rev. Beth Rodenhouse

Rev. Beth Rodenhouse is chaplain at Pilgrim Manor, a United Church Homes community in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has served in parish ministry for eight years and as a chaplain for five years.

Rev. Jared Ruari

Rev. Jared Ruari lives in Mansfield, Ohio, with his partner Allison and their three cats. He is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ currently serving St. John’s UCC.