On the Gift of the Elderly and Honoring the Aged

"In July, the Pew Research Center reported that Americans age 60 and older are alone for more than half of their waking hours - about seven hours a day. For those who live alone, it's 10 hours a day. People age 60 and older account for 22% of the U.S. population - 73 million people - so that is a lot of people spending a lot of time alone.

"Caring for the needs of the elderly is both a responsibility and a grace. 'Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible,' the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2276, instructs."

A recent National Catholic Register article reported on ways in which needs of the elderly are being addressed by the Church.

To access the complete National Catholic Register report, please visit:

National Catholic Register: The Gift of the Elderly: Honoring the Aged Through Fellowship (8 SEP 19)

Background information:

USCCB: Pastoral Message on Growing Older Within the Faith Community