Introduction :
Growth and development does not end with adulthood but continues into old age where relationships and personal needs continue to change. Justice demands that the needs to love and be loved, to be autonomous and experience a sense of worth continue to be met. As their lives and responsibilities change older people can and do give much of themselves to their families and their community. Their relationship with God often deepens. It is also often a time for healing old wounds and making peace with the past.

WHY WOULD YOU SEND ME TO A HOME, THIS IS MY HOME?

Many families in all races are faced with this question. Having an older person, especially a very old person in one’s home can be a joy but very often also a stress and even a great burden on a young family with all the commitments of children and work. How to deal with the situation, make a decision about choosing to go, or being placed in a retirement complex or home, as one gets older and more frail, is hard for all concerned and needs to be done with patience, tact and love in consultation with everyone involved.

MOVEMENT OF PRAYER OF GRANDPARENTS FOR GRANDCHILDREN
We know how grandparents are seriously concerned about their grandchildren, young and older. This movements can help grandparents to recognise the important contribution they can still make in the lives of their families no matter how far away. There is no formal structure or procedure but it is nice to be able to share with others and form a group for mutual support. ..
Also see the Beatitudes for Grandparents

Sport is not only for the young and fit. Even older people can and need to keep as fit as possible and play what sport they can. They need to play their part in the game of life and so avoid becoming frustrated and irritable. They can look back on the many sporting events they have witnessed and share with the young how things have changed and grown.

FAMILY MATTERS JULY 2010 MARFAM’s vision and aim since its beginnings in 1995 has been the renewal of family life in the Church through education and enrichment. The publications are a resource for families, educators, parishes and for the work of the Family Life Desk of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Your financial support [...]