You are invited to share some time looking at important issues. 

CONFERENCE CALLS

The next Conference Call will be on

22nd January 2025 10.30am – 12noon
on zoom

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Conference calls have been offered by Christians on Ageing since the Covid years taught us the power and value of Zoom. They are free, though we hope people will consider joining Christians on Ageing. Each session runs for 90 minutes from 10.30 am to 12 midday. There is a presentation of 30-45 minutes by an expert/enthusiast on a topic and this is followed by shared comments about views and experiences: Summaries of previous presentations and discussions are available on Christians on Ageing website:

Register your interest by e-mail: secretary@christiansonageing.org.uk

Conference Calls are open to all and are free. A Zoom link is provided nearer the date of the Call. 

To learn more about Christians on Ageing and how you can become a member visit
christiansonageing.org.uk

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Previous Conference Calls

‘Ageing: The Unwanted Gift’ 

Led by Rev Dr Keith Albans Wednesday, 23^rd October 2024

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“Ageism.  Can we fix it …?”

Keith Albans offered an updated version of the presentation he made at the International Conference on Spirituality & Ageing last year.

Led by Keith Albans  26 March 2024

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Jesus’ love in the midst of age and dementia

A practical Christian ministry with older people and people living with dementia

Led by the Reverend Ben Boland         17 October 2023

You can read a report of the discussion here

18 July 2023
Professor Emeritus Peter Coleman
Spirituality of Ageing by Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

Peter Coleman is Emeritus Professor of Psycho-gerontology at The University of Southampton. He is a long-standing member of Christians on Ageing and has contributed generously to research and teaching in the field. He provided friendship and support to Metropolitan Antony in his later years. Peter spoke about the issues raised in this classic publication and reflected on his own views on the subject.

You can read a report of the discussion here

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20 June 2023

Preparing professionals to help people with issues of spirituality and belief as they are approaching the end of life.

Discussion led by Professor Karen Groves

Read the report here

 

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21 March 2023

Light of Faith – Reflections on growing old by Bishop George Appleton

Dr David Jolley

Bishop George Appleton CMG, MBE 1902 – 1993. He studied at Cambridge University and was ordained an Anglican priest a 23. His war years were spent in Rangoon. He became Archbishop of Perth aged 62, and the second Archbishop of Jerusalem aged 66. He was truly ecumenical and had knowledge and interest in many faiths.

His life and writing brought hope and maturity to many. The death of his wife, Madge, after a long illness brought him deep loneliness.

He wrote Light of Faith – Reflections on growing old for Christians on Ageing not long before his death. In it he reflects upon his life’s experience, things which he had read, pain, depression, memory, the future and facing death.

David Jolley read through parts of the booklet and invited observations from people on its words and the topics as they are addressed.  You can read a report of the discussion here.

 

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Previous Conference Calls considered

 

Accessible Communication for Spiritual Health

 

 These are the brief notes of the Conference Call presented by Katharyn Mumby  22 February 2023

 

We were: Katharyn, Elaine Andrews, Christine Spencer, Bill Hawes, Ros Watson, Barbara Stephens, Vikki Bunce, Bernadine Portbury, Domini, Hilary Pritchard and David Jolley. Susan Kikbride had called in to say hello but was needed elsewhere – we were pleased to see her.

People introduced themselves and said a little about themselves and their work

Dr Katharyn Mumby is a speech and language therapist: a clinician-researcher, who has experience and communication expertise within the NHS, Third Sector organisations, Further Education, and in independent practice. She offers holistic care including spiritual health. She is a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England.  She had previously written about her background:

“My heart lies in practical spirituality and ministry. I have a long career as a speech and language therapy clinician-researcher, offering experience and communication expertise within the NHS, third sector organisations, further education, and now within independent practice. I am particularly interested in adjustment processes after trauma or loss, with the impact of communication impairment and neurological change, and holistic care including spiritual health. These themes cross into my voluntary role as a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England. I am drawn to working with people on the boundaries and finding ways of being unconditionally inclusive.

My PhD (Psychology, 2008) investigated apraxia of speech. I led post-doctoral research using mixed methods to evaluate a complex intervention coproduced with people who had long term aphasia (acquired language impairment). My current work concerns evolving accessible materials for assessing and promoting spiritual health irrespective or religious background, in a variety of populations, including people experiencing stroke, head injury, brain tumour, dementia, and normal ageing. I have recently published ‘The WELLHEAD Toolkit’ from this work, and a co-edited book on ‘Perspectives on Spirituality in Speech and Language Therapy’.”

She spoke about her work with people who have developed difficulty in communicating with words, often as a result of neurological damage from stroke or other pathology.  She involved our group in a number of exercises to consider aspects of communication: verbalising concepts, listening, understanding, speaking, using gesture, writing and ideas.

We thought also about:

• music and visual art and the relevance of culture and language
• communications 1:1 and communication when part of a group
• the influence of emotions on communication and
• the phenomenon of lost control in ‘disinhibition’ and altered behaviour such as can occur within dementia
• concepts of clarity and brevity when applied to expression.

Words are powerful tools:

• they can be simple labels
• may provide the scaffolding around which we can develop more ideas
• may function as a necklace of rosary – ideas linking along one from another
• may work as a place marker – ‘I was here’, or place setting – ‘This is where I belong’
• may be a coat hanger – a structure to keep things tidy and hold them up for inspection, Or
• may be a signpost to experience or to possibilities beyond, and
• can refer to things unseen, or things which have been lost.

Other senses, especially smell, but also touch, can be evocative of ideas and memories

Katharyn told us about the Wellhead tool kit which she has created to help communication for people who have difficulty with words: this is described in a number of publications: e.g. MumbyGrace2019HSCCauthormanuscriptforResearchGate.pdf; and on Katharyn’s website https://www.wellhead.org.uk/

Katharyn has formulated a four dimensional schema of spirituality with measures of ‘wide’, ‘long’, ‘high’ and ‘deep’. She uses this to describe an individual’s spiritual status at a point in time – and can monitor changes in response to time and therapy.  There are particular situations where she has worked with individuals experiencing loss, change and trauma.  The system can be applied with people with mild dementia but not severe dementia, with aphasia, with auditory or visual difficulties – across the adult age-range and across faiths and no faith. It helps an individual to take ownership of their spiritual life and wellbeing

Katharyn showed video clips of people who have communication difficulties, working with her.

(Please see the link to my independent practice website: https://www.new-pathways.co.uk/ which gives links to my publications and other online profiles).

The two publications from J&R press are:

https://www.jr-press.co.uk/wellhead-toolkit.html (normally £140 plus p&p)

https://www.jr-press.co.uk/spirituality-speech-language-therapy.html (normally £24.99 plus p&p)

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 We were impressed and keen to learn more. Observations included:

• wondering about different depths of spiritual life can be accessed
• noting the importance of nonverbal communications and especially the role of hands in this
• the importance of taking advantage of closeness in natural interactions, to facilitate communication on a spiritual level – dressing, washing, sharing a meal are all such instances
• the power of silence in togetherness, still or walking, with or without music: ‘Don’t try too hard to find my words: Just be with me and love me.’ (Robert Davis – and several others who have spontaneously made similar remarks)

This was a most interesting, informative and thought-provoking session. We are grateful to Katharyn for leading us into areas we may have flinched from. We need to tread carefully – but let us see where we might get to.

Notes by David Jolley

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Dementia Friendly Churches

17 January 2023     

Revd Gaynor Hammond, now ‘retired’ from her work as a Baptist Minister but remains active in many things, most particularly in encouraging the growth of dementia-friendly environments. Before entering The Ministry she was a Dementia Project Worker – and brought to her ministry knowledge, compassion and determination which inspired her own churches to become Dementia-Friendly. From them many other churches have learned how to do it. Her booklet: ‘Growing Dementia Friendly Churches’ was published by Christians on Ageing with Faith in Elderly People and MHA and is available from Christians on Ageing.

Read the full Report of this Conference Call here

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Read a Report of the previous session here.

Dr Karan Jutlla presented ideas for discussion on:

Reaching people with dementia of different cultures and different faiths – lessons for everyone

Karan Jutlla is Dementia Lead in the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing at The University of Wolverhampton Dr Karan Jutlla | Cultural Inclusivity in Dementia Care (drjutlla.com). Her work has attracted widespread interest and respect. Her studies with South Asian elders and their families demonstrate fear and mistrust of mainstream services for people with dementia. Faith communities can be helpful in this situation. The model may have wider applicability UK health services failing south Asian people with dementia, says report | Dementia | The Guardian

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Read a Report of the previous session in our 2022 autumn series.  

Use the magnify button at the bottom of the pdf page to increase font size

Holidays for the mind and soul: people with dementia and their family carers

Carol Sargent is the founder and CEO of Mind for You which specialises in providing bespoke holiday experiences for people with dementia and their carers. She believes that holidays are important instruments helping people refresh and find times of peace and hope

The MindforYou Story | MindforYou

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If you would like to take part in a future Conference Call

Register your interest by e-mail: discussion@ccoa.org.uk

Conference Calls are open to all and are free via a Zoom link which is provided nearer the date of the Call.  Each Conference Call starts at 10.30 am and ends around noon.  The discussion is introduced by an expert in the field.  

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Previous Conference Calls

 

Predatory Marriage – context and related issues

Daphne Franks led the discussion

Daphne’s mother Joan was known to have dementia. Daphne had taken over management of her affairs through Power of Attorney, yet a marriage conducted in secret whilst her mother was living with this impairment has been deemed legal, all her assets on death passing to the man she ‘married’. Daphne will explain the circumstances and describe this growing problem and approaches being pursued to attempt to counter it. 

You can read a full report here.

 

Another recent Conference Call was on 15 February 2022.  The topic was

Parish Nursing: What is this and what can it do for you?

 Anne Taylor – Director of Nursing, Parish Nursing Ministries led the discussion

Parish Nursing was mentioned several times during discussions at our October 2021 webinar. This is an opportunity to learn more about it and to set it in context alongside other Christian initiatives reaching out to older people in difficulty.

You can read a report of the discussion here. 

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Reflecting on the current position and spiritual lives of older Christians as we enter a new year still immersed in multiple crises

 

Notes of the Conference Call held by Zoom on 18 January 2022 are available here.

Participants shared the stories of their experience, living in a world where faith is challenged – not just by Covid 19 and its after-effects – but, by the disappearance of more and more people from the life of the Churches.  The stories do not dwell on the sadness this can cause in the older generation but on the hope generated by the many new ways of being a ‘missionary community of believers’.

We asked ther questions:

How are we feeling as older individual Christians?   And what of our churches?

David Jolley – Chair of Christians on Ageing and a retired Psychogeriatrician led the discussion

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Grandparenting

The session was led by Dr Sarah Holmes, Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Liverpoool Hope University. You can read a report of the discussion here.

The role of grandparents can be crucial in passing-on the information young people need if they are to decide to accept and practice the Christian faith.  The demands of the modern economy of work and the attitudes and approaches favoured in a secular society  pose both a challenge and an opportunity for grandparents who can act as benign messengers of belief.

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 Fragile Churches

 

Notes from a Conference Call held on 19 October 2021 led by the Reverend Canon Professor Leslie Francis.  You will find a Report of the presentation and discussion of this fascinating topic here, along with links to research references and other useful material for further study.

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Conference Calls are open to all and there is no charge for taking part.

If you would like to join one or all of the new series just write to David Jolley using the e-mail link discussion@ccoa.org.uk  You will need to be able to access Zoom but there is no need to take out a subscription; use your search engine to learn about how to do this if you have not tried this new technology already.   You will be sent an e-mail with a link allowing you to join the discussion nearer the time of the Call.

Each session is led by someone with knowledge of the subject who will usually give a shoirt introduction to the theme.  Numbers for each session are limited to around a dozen in order to allow meaningful discussion.   A report is produced and is circulated to all participants before publication on our website.

Please ask any more questions when you register your interest.

Register your interest or enquire about places on future Conference Calls by e-mailing 
discussion@ccoa.org.uk

 

We have also discussed these topics in the recent past

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Older people and spiritual strength in the world of nature

We are surrounded by the beauty of nature and immersed in its power: but how much do we really ‘notice’ in our busy everyday lives? This session explored the emotional and spiritual benefits of connecting with nature, stimulating the senses, boosting physical and mental health, enhancing wellbeing.  Research evidence was explored that demonstrates the impact of nature on people’s physical and mental health.  Participants were invited to share their own experiences of engaging with resources of nature and to consider how they can use natural resources in therapeutic and pastoral work with older people, people living with dementia, family carers – and everyone.

The discussion was informed by the work of Barbara Stephens who is Chief Executive of Dementia Pathfinders and Jacquie Nunn who told the story of her husband’s living with dementia and her share in that story.

“An intensely moving Conference Call”

You can read the full report of the discussion here.

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The importance of faith aamongst black older Christians

What did we talk about?     What did we discover?    What do we hope for now?

The session was led by the Revd Charles Kwaku-Odoi with the Revd Emmanuel Ajoku who work with black Christians and others in the Greater Manchedster area.

A report of the discussion dealing with how black Churches emerged within immigrant communities and how these Churches have responded to the needs of black older people,especially in matters of health and spiritual support is available on the Conference Call pages of our website.

Faith is an important part of many older Black people, as a matter-of-fact faith is engrained in their lives. In most cases it does not just define who they are, or what they do, but it also shapes their life day-to-day choices.  Older Black Christians use their faith as a coping mechanism. When facing life stressors, their religious beliefs help them to manage personal behaviour and response to others. Faith is woven in the intergenerational engagement in the Black community, the interactions with the younger generation. Faith comes to the fore in overall health and wellbeing decision-making. Most importantly, Older Black Christians build their resilience and positive attitude towards life via their religious beliefs, largely Christianity.  For older Black Christians, losing touch with God could be the start of a myriad of issues including depression, anxiety or worthlessness of life. Older Black Christians are adept at using scriptural references in day-to-day situations. They say after their loved ones have been wronged, “don’t worry, the Lord will punish the wicked”. This is their approach to conflict-resolution and maintain peace. A constant reference to the supremacy of God and a determiner of outcomes are spontaneous natural responses. Faith is the best inheritance they are planning to leave behind for their children, grandchildren and generations after.

The report can be read in full here.

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Supporting Care Home staff and Care at Home staff

 What did we talk about?     What did we discover?    What do we hope for now?

The session was led by Maureen O’Neill, CEO Faith in Older People with a focus on the issues which have emerged for health and social care staff in our care homes and care at home organisations as a result of the pandemic.  These were explored through the lens of a recent review of the effectiveness of the listening and caring service set up by Faith in Older People as a response to the pressures and fears experienced by these staff during this past year.

You can read a full report of the discussion here.  These are some highlights:

• Helping staff to understand their own spiritual dimension
• Holistic approach combines emotional, spiritual and physical support
• Fears about discussing death can be overcome
• Working with statutory bodies takes time and effort
• ‘We don’t need you today – we have an entertainer in’
• More resources needed to help life/death conversations to happen

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Christians and Hospitals

 What did we talk about?     What did we discover?    What do we hope for now?

 The session was led by Marion Shoard, author of How to Handle Later Life and a trustee of Christians on Ageing.  It was informed by presentations by two hospital chaplains:  The Revd Jane Harris of the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust and The Revd Elizabeth Baughen, who trained as a general nurse and a Christian counsellor before ordination and is now a part-time C of E chaplain at Camden and Islington Mental Health Trust; she is also a trustee of Christians on Ageing.

You can read a full report of the discussion here.  These are some highlights:

•  Illness points us to purpose and vision in living
• Chaplaincy in hospital is a channel for all sorts
• Staff and families trust the chaplains
• Relationship-building within and outside hospital
• Mental health hospitals care for people who are very ill
• Chaplains in all hospitals are working without vital volunteer help
• Cuts to the number of available beds in all hospitals have been severe
• There are many, many examples of great initiatives

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Valuing the Narratives of Older People

 What did we talk about?     What did we discover?    What do we hope for now?

 

The session was led by the Revd Dr Graham Hawley.  You can read a full report of the discussion here.  These are some highlights:

• Older people have stories to tell from long lives
• Church communities are built around older members
• Narrative helps us all to find meaning and purpose
• Older people are not just sitting around waiting to die
• Older people are happy to talk about death
• The medical profession and clergy are too shy to talk
• There are many reports and references worth a look

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Are we dispirited? 

Older Christians and Mental Health at the start of 2021

 What did we talk about?     What did we discover?    What do we hope for now?

The session was led by David Jolley, Chair of Christians on Ageing.  You can read the full report here.  Here are some highlights:

• Some people have suffered terribly
• The signs of need have often not been recognised
• We now care about Care Homes but forget sheltered housing
• Data protection can lead to care being blocked
• Covid did not cause but has certainly exposed many problems
• Simple ideas, helping us all to keep in touch, actually do work
• There’s tons of research but it needs to be used

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Connecting people living with dementia to nature and the arts

What did we talk about?     What did we discover?   What do we hope for now?

The session was led by Barbara Stephens with Kathryn Rowland, Charlotte Evans and Julie Foord.  You can read the full report here.  These are some highlights:

• The impact of illness and disability on ‘self’
• Finding nourishment within just two hundred steps
• Photos that make you smile
• Paintings that lead to words, music and dance
• We are designed to be together
• Get the information before it is forgotten
• Bibliotherapy – books, and words of comfort
• ‘Annie’s Song’, ‘When I’m 64’, and more

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How churches can help older people struggling through the 2021 national lockdowns

 What did we talk about?     What did we discover?    What do we hope for now?

 

The session was led by Marion Shoard, a published author on issues affecting the lives of older people.  You can read the full report here.  These are some highlights:

• ‘Bubbles’ can be a lifeline if used carefully
• Telephones are making a comeback
• Digital technology is not for everyone …
• … not just because they won’t have it, but often can’t
• Homeless people are still vulnerable
• Carers themselves need help in coping with isolation
• Churches are (or should be) good at ‘walking with people’
• BAME communities really value their churches’ guidance
• Vaccination – looking out for those who we might forget
• Care Homes – the struggle to get it right

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Supporting family carers and friends of people with dementia 

The effects of the pandemic within society have been many and serious and areas of life often hidden from view have been exposed to the light of day – and fresh scrutiny.  The way in which those supporting people with dementia have themselves been shown to have needs for support has been a significant development in how we understand a growing phenomenon.  The discussion was chaired by Julia Burton-Jones of the Diocese of Rochester with a commentary from Dr Albert Jewell, a member of our Executive Committee.

Christian carers are just as likely to experience frustration, anger, grief and guilt as everyone else.

What did we talk about?     What did we discover?   What do we hope for now?

You can read the full report here.  These are some highlights:

• Lockdown means long, long days and little stimulation
• Telephone support is better than nothing – just
• Churches still have some way to go in understanding need
• Death and separation have taken their toll on raw emotions

BUT

• Many initiatives, many good stories
• Awareness that carers will need help after the lockdowns
• Informal ‘church’ experiences growing in number and value
• Support ‘bubbles’ can provide respite

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A Care Homes Update

This is brief report of what was said.

Despite all the energy, passion and devotedness in the sector – many are feeling overwhelmed by the combination of fears and changing, restrictive rules

These are highlights of the discussion.  You can read the full report here.

• The changing guidance: what is it?
• The visiting rules: are they too complex and sometimes heartless?
• The differences between England and Scotland
• Should there be special provision for clergy visits?
• Residents and carers are not just from Christian cultures

 

• The full report has details of new publications and guides
• There are all sorts of ideas and initiatives emerging
• A call for a rethink of immigration wage rules for carers
• All views and fears need to be valued and shown respect
• Constant change means constant vigilance

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Volunteers in a church setting.

These are highlights of the discussion.  You can read the full report here.

 

• The best start: what is going on already?
• Do our volunteers know what they are meant to be doing?
• Is there adequate support and guide for volunteers?
• Are Church volunteers any different from others?
• How far can volunteers do their own thing?

BUT

• The range of volunteer activities covers many needs
• Most volunteers are older Church members
• Guidance material is available but little known
• Secular bodies can teach Churches a lot
• Volunteering is about initiative, enthusiasm and focus

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Find out why these Conference Calls are important to you and your Church. 
Read what your colleagues discovered in these Conference Calls

 

Older and disabled people in care homes

This is a flavour of what you will find by reading the report of the discussion :

•  One of the best places to be in a care home?  Orkney!!
• The scandal of care homes being side-lined and forgotten
• The media made sure we found out: no PPE, no extra money
• The sadness of people with dementia isolated and stressed
• The short-sighted rules getting in the way of human support

BUT

• The great amount of goodness and generosity displayed by many
• The opportunities for volunteering still there
• The new ways of doing things – zooming through the airwaves!
• “I’m not just a mask.  Here’s my photo to prove it!”

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Black and minority ethnic older people
The discussion was led by Revd Dr Joseph Cortis who is a member of the Christians on Ageing committee and Coordinator of Caritas Leeds (Catholic Diocese of Leeds).  There was a special presentation by Jabeer Butt OBE who is Chief Executive of The Race Equality Foundation.  Read the report of the discussion here.  Here are some highlights:

• Information on ethnicity is far more useful than race alone
• Is it true? BAME elders, single or couples, are less likely to be living alone
• If you are Chinese you have better health prospects among BAME elders
• Socioeconomic status, ethnicity and racism affect inequalities in health
• Covid-19: there ARE higher risks for BAME people, working and retired

BUT

• Life expectancy in BAME communities is increasing
• Actions taken now are full of promises to tackle inequalities
• There’s lots of good ideas and initiatives – just too little publicity
• Retired BAME people make great volunteers
• Our society is a fantastic mix – it’s worth exploring more.  And we will!

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The challenge of grief 
These are highlights of the discussion.  You can read the full report here.

• A new realisation of our mortality in shared loss
• A ‘time-bomb’ of grief awaits the nation
• Thinking and talking about death cannot be avoided
• Guilt and anger are normal in bereavement
• Does it do any good to blame or complain?

BUT

• Clapping for carers released goodwill
• Now we know: care home staff deserve better
• Lockdown: time to look in at ourselves & look out for others
• Bereavement support crucial for all, young as well as old
• Loads of helpful support services, but need to find & signpost

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Older people self-isolating at home 
These are the highlights of the discussion.  You can read the full report here.

• The oddities of policies: Who is vulnerable? Who is shielding?
• The absence of older people in the great return from lockdown
• The digital world: who is in it and who is left out?
• The role of the local church in seeking out and supporting
• Grieving alone, afraid to go out

BUT

• Knickerbocker Glory afternoons and Cream Teas in a bag
• The work of Anna Chaplaincy
• The great range of support and help for the lonely
• The work of Holiday at Home
• The brilliance of modern media but don’t forget the telephone!

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You can read more about these Conference Calls and other Christians on Ageing activities and views by subscribing to our e-newsletter.  Use the subscribe box on the Home Page or send an e-mail request to info@ccoa.org.uk

Register your interest in the next series by e-mail: discussion@ccoa.org.uk