[Editor’s note: Until his retirement, Clarence Barker, now 78, was a highly regarded newsman who worked many years for the Deseret News. He was asked by Church News editors to write this article about growing old.]
When I was a young man, I took a young lady, my steady at the time, for a ride and we stopped to view the scenery. A boy strolled by and remarked, “You and your wife . . . “ I was not married, but it thrilled me to be classed among the married folks. What young person does not look forward to the time when he or she will be married to a thrilling and wonderful person.
Years passed. In my case I married a wonderful girl and to us were born two sons and two daughters. Then along came grandchildren – 14 of them now.
But then came retirement from paid employment. I had found satisfaction and enjoyment from creative work as a reporter. I did not mind hours of hard work incident to my newspaper job.
The transition was not too bad. I served four years as Church News correspondent in Phoenix, Ariz.
Then all four sons and daughters who had been living in distant areas returned to Utah and with them the grandchildren who meant so much to us. So we also returned.
What are some of the problems and challenges of retirement and growing old?
Too much ease and comfort do not carry an automatic ticket to happiness. If one does not volunteer services or accept responsibilities, he soon may be left without activities.
Also Church assignments and responsibilities may be scarce in areas where a high percentage of members hold or have held positions of responsibility.
The idle wheel gets rusty. The oldster may find that in cold weather his feet may become cold unless he keeps active.
True, It tickles one’s vanity to have others carry the brunt of entertaining, while you loll in the midst of plenty, with few responsibilities. It also feels good to be consulted on important matters and to have your counsel followed.
But young people have their own ideas. It takes logic and strength of example to convince them. I find that stories from my youthful experiences frequently are a convincing tool.
The gospel and all fields of Church activity, including secret and family prayer, are basic in guiding and strengthening and enriching any individual’s life.
Sufficient exercise and fresh air are vital. I hope I never succumb to the too-easy life and really get old!
Source: Electronic submission by Ruth Barker, 2010.