Read:
Psalm 71:9

Explain:
Because of improved living conditions, the average life expectancy has increased from 46 to 66 over the last fifty years. But this has created a new challenge: the aging of the world population. Today, one in every ten people is 60 or older. By 2050, that figure will be one in every five, and by 2150, it will be one in three. In response, societies will need to change the way they think about aging. Greater attention will have to be given to the needs of older people, as well as to the ways older people can contribute to society. The International Day of Older Persons is a time to focus on these needs and contributions.

Pray:

• Give thanks for living at a time when more people are able to live longer and fuller lives.
• Give thanks for the contributions older people make to society--especially older members of your own family.
• Pray that solutions will be found for the new challenges faced by an aging world.