Our Later Years

Empty nest. 

Retirement. 

Physical decline. 

Caregiving. 

Loss of spouse....

These situations are inevitable, especially as we begin to grow old.

So how can we keep our marriages strong when the children are all gone, we no longer have full time employment to occupy our time, our heath is failing, we have to care for our ailing spouse, and eventually that dear companion of ours leaves this mortal life?

At some point in every marriage, a couple must draw closer to one another, rekindle their romance and begin to redefine themselves as a couple. That will look different for every marriage, and prove to be more challenging for couples with pre-existing marriage problems, but there are coping strategies that can help to build a more secure bond, even after years of marriage.

Things such developing interests together, regular temple attendance together, finding service opportunities together - even serving a mission, if health allows. But, when health doesn't allow for such things, there are still opportunities to draw near to one another. These times require all the resources that we develop over the years...things such as wisdom, love, patience, and long suffering.

Abraham and Sarah serve and a beautiful example of a couple who faced physical and spiritual challenges with hope and grace. "Commitment, tenacity and faith are required to confront successfully (in a unifying and supportive way) the many challenges that are faced by mature married couples." (Hawkins) But the rewards are attainable and available to all older couples who are willing to consistently apply principles that will lead to the formation of that secure bond in marriage.

President Ezra Taft Benson shared a beautiful message full of love and hope to the elderly in his address, " The the Elderly in the Church". In this message he gives eight areas where we can make the most of our senior years. So whether you are old or young, married, single or widowed, I high encourage you to listen to his words of counsel and find hope in the Golden Years of your marriage and life. Check it out...

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1989/10/to-the-elderly-in-the-church?lang=eng