Health Ministry

Celebrating the 90's

Have you ever thought about what it might be like to have lived 90+ years and to still be going strong?

Health Ministry and Christ Church recently set out to find the answer to that very question.

Standing in awe at the energy, commitment, resiliency, and faith of many of our 90+ year old members, we decided to try to identify how many members were in their 90’s and to honor them with a luncheon.

Forty-four nonagenarian’s (someone between the age of 90-99) were identified between Christ Church Harbor Apartments and Christ Church, and invited to our “Celebrating the 90’s Luncheon” on April 3rd. Twenty attended along with several guests and family members. We also celebrated those members who were not able to attend the function.

The group was asked to share their secrets to successful aging and any words of wisdom they cared to reveal. Their advice and comments revolved around the following: “Faith in God and prayer everyday”; “be healthy and happy and do unto others as you would have them do unto you”; “be there when I was needed”; “work hard, play hard and have lots of friends”; “stay active and keep in touch with what is going on in the world”; “sing, dance, and get up each morning with a purpose”; “be kind, keep going, trust in the Lord” “be ready to accept and learn from your challenge.”

An ongoing power point presentation of pictures of early Baltimore and Maryland people and places familiar to them from their youth was available to them as background music from their era filled the room.

They had fun guessing who belonged with which childhood picture in the “Guess the Picture” contest. Prizes were awarded for the oldest (there were two 98 year old members) and who came the longest distance to attend (one came from the National Lutheran Home in Rockville, MD). Pictures were taken and memories shared as old acquaintances were renewed.

The guests of honor were treated to a delicious luncheon prepared and served by Connie Crabtree and her Culinary Arts Class. Musical entertainment was shared as they all sang and swayed along with old favorites. The musical segment culminated with the group spontaneously standing as they sang “God Bless America.”

As life expectancy in our country continues to increase 2½ years every decade, perhaps many of us will someday be privileged to experience what it might be like to live into our 90’s or beyond. In the meantime, we pay tribute to those who go before us: our mentors, teachers, and friends; our link to days gone by; true gifts to treasure and honor.

On Going Programs and Opportunities