The Mennonite, Inc., invites your original submissions for our July 2018 print magazine issue and corresponding online content focusing on Aging with Dignity.

Description of the theme:

Today, there are more people in the United States who are age 65 and older than at any other time in U.S. history, and this population is projected to nearly double by 2060. Aging with dignity is a challenge that affects all of us in some way: whether you are the one who is aging, the child of aging parents or a young adult looking to learn from your elders. What it means to age with dignity varies greatly across the country, and among Mennonites, depending on one’s cultural context and socioeconomic position. For example, aging with dignity may mean the choice to move in with children and grandchildren, to move into a continuing-care retirement community or to remain in one’s home with supportive services. For those without means or family to care for them, choices for how and where to age may be more limited, and supportive services may not be high quality, accessible or affordable. U.S. Census data indicate the economic disparities of people age 65 and older, including those living in poverty: 19 percent of African-Americans, 18 percent of Latinos, 16 percent for American Indians and Alaska Natives, 13 percent of Asian-Americans and 8 percent of non-Hispanic whites. Although aging looks different for everyone, aging with dignity is a universal right that the church has a role to uphold.

Submissions may consider one of the following prompts/questions, among others:

• How are you struggling with what it means to age with dignity? What is the church’s role?
• Are you an older individual who continues to use your strengths and skills in service to the community? Are you an older individual dealing with mental or physical health issues? We want to hear your stories.
• How can the loved ones of older people provide the best support during the aging process? What conversations have you had with your older relatives that provided clarity on their preferences?
• In what ways is your congregation or community or organization supporting people to age with dignity?
• How are you addressing the disparities that exist in the quality of and access to services available to older individuals?
• If you are a young adult, what have you learned from your elders? Why are intergenerational relationships important to you and to the church?

Submissions are due to Editor@TheMennonite.org no later than May 21, 2018.

We welcome articles—personal stories, biblical or theological reflections, stories about your congregation, and more (800-1,200 words)—as well as original photography, videos and artwork on the theme. Please note we are committed to anti-oppression reviews as part of our editorial process. When developing your submission, please review our anti-oppression guidelines as well as our editorial guidelines.