Return to 4th Quarter 2025 articles.
by Dr. Frank Black, M.D.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Frank Black became acquainted with our work when he and his family joined us on one of our float trips down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. At the time, he was working at a hospital, and later he went to Tanzania to serve as a mission doctor. The following article was originally written for a class on aging.
Yes, it's true; we do fall apart as we age. But personally, I feel completely humbled and a bit audacious when I admit to the truth of my title. The reason is that I was remarkably physically blessed for the first 80 years of my life — no significant illnesses, remaining vigorous, able to do almost anything I wanted. I've never taken these blessings for granted. Having worked as an ER doctor for over 35 years and spending another 5 years in a “bush hospital” in Tanzania, I've seen every kind of trauma and disease. And so many! This or that issue happens to all of us at some point — due to genetics, circumstances, location, lifestyle, etc. I always knew that eventually “it” (my physical limitations) would happen to me — or a series or combination of “its.” And they have. They weren't unexpected. I won't bore you with my list of problems, but they started in my 80th year. Why not? I have no complaints or regrets.
All of us “older folks” have a list of health issues — not to mention our medications, various therapies, limitations, etc. Most of us learn to adapt, compensate, tolerate, and finally accept our situation. I believe God gives us the ability to compensate — a blessing! We don't want to start kicking and screaming or complaining excessively. Our friends often seem to gradually fade away. After all, do you really want to hear others' problems all the time? God has designed our organ systems with built-in margins for safety and longevity. But as we age, our functions naturally decline (that's normal). Whatever system or ability you consider, it decreases over time. As much as we wish it weren't so, there are no exceptions. I'm not trying to be depressing — just realistic. With the right Christian attitude, we can accept this. Many of us are approaching or past “three score and ten.” I hope you're not thinking, “Why me?” I've heard that so many times. The answer: it just happens; things happen. Or you can say, “Why not?” We're all different, and different things happen at different times. Sometimes we're caught completely by surprise (like sudden illness or trauma), or it might be the worsening of a long-term problem. Some issues can be prevented, treated, and sometimes reversed, but not always. Let's prayerfully do our best when these problems inevitably occur.
Can we do anything to stop our decline? In some areas, yes; in others, no. Sometimes it's due to heredity or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tragic events are rare and often unavoidable, but they do happen. More realistically, we can take measures to extend our lives — get vaccinated, have regular medical screenings and care, stay physically and mentally active, maintain a healthy weight, avoid risky situations, stay aw are and cautious, practice moderation in everything, and so on. Most of us in the USA understand these things, but how many actually follow them? Sometimes people naively just go along thinking: “someday” or “it won't be me,” with other excuses. But remember, our time will come. Be prepared.
Let's always thank God for our blessings — for our years and memories. He will give us support, comfort, and strength for whatever lies ahead. Let's be Christian examples for others, help those in need, use our abilities for as long as possible, and aim to finish well. This is my prayer for you and me.
Picture credits:
Both photos: © lisafx/Bigstock.com
Scripture links/references are from BibleGateway.com. Unhighlighted scriptures can be looked up at their website.