Why do we undervalue the older generation? Even when we acknowledge the very important role grandparents play in passing on family culture, and providing important emotional support, the media often represents them either as passive observers of the world, or as a looming economic burden.  
 
But the data disagrees.  
 
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says ‘This rhetoric is often inspired by misleading metrics, such as the traditional old-age dependency ratio, which assume that people become dependent on society after reaching some pre-defined age.’ 

In reality, folks beyond retirement age are making significant and social and economic contributions to society including paid and unpaid work – Granny’s free daycare, anyone? The key, according to WHO, is policy and programs that support the health and wellbeing of older people, so they can continue to participate fully in their community.   

Strong Communities Value Older People 

This is something people living in more vulnerable parts of the world don’t need to be told. In places like Nepal, where Champa lives, overlooking the strength and value of grandparents is unimaginably, and wasteful.  

Champa faced many challenges in life as an ‘untouchable’ Dalit woman. A few years ago she suffered an accident, leaving her unable to continue her former work. Undeterred, Champa pursued a new opportunity through our local Christian Partner. With support, she developed a business plan and gathered the tools and skills needed to start her own business selling food from a portable shop cart. It’s been a great success. 

It feels good to take care of my family. When one of them gets sick, I can pay for it now. 

While she works, Champa keeps an eye on her grandchildren playing nearby. She sells many snacks, but the spicy stew she cooks is the crowd favourite. She strategically sets up her shop in the intersection of several arterial roads to get lots of foot traffic. And she also has many customers from the local village. It’s a smart and effective strategy. Champa’s business is thriving to such an extent that she’s invested in a second shop, and is building up savings to secure her family’s future.   

No Age Limits on Building God’s Kingdom  

Champa is cherished, and her contribution to her family is valued. Can we learn something from these hardworking people? 
 
One of the great joys of being part of a church is inter-generational relationships. But we are still inclined to overlook the tenacity and capacity of our older folks. God calls us to support each other in using our gifts and he doesn’t put an age limit on it.  

‘The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”’ Psalm 92:12-15