One of the greatest fears we face as we age is that of living lives that are both useless and fruitless. I certainly entertain that fear from to time. We don't want to reach that point in our lives where we spend our days in uselessness and unfruitfulness. This more than anything causes the elderly to suffer from depression, especially when they've enjoyed a life of productivity and usefulness. Life now seems to have passed them by.
All these thoughts flooded my mind as I did my devotions in 2 Peter 1 this morning. Verse 8 contains two very interesting -- and convicting -- words.
Peter is describing a life that has become useless and fruitless. In verse 5, he says we are to "make every effort" not to live that way. The aged need to be engaged in the diligent application of biblical truth in their lives if they want to live a life that is useful and productive. I've always loved being around older people who live that way.
Interestingly, the term translated "useless" could also be rendered "inactive." The CEB, in fact, renders the verse as follows: "If all these are yours and they keep growing in you, they'll keep you from being inactive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." The Message says, "With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus."
There are a million reasons why activity is just as important for adults as it is for kids. Not only does it boost cognitive function, it protects mental health and reduces stress -- all things the elderly can benefit from. If you're not making time for exercise, chances are you're feeling unproductive without it. I'm not saying we should adopt a "no pain, no gain" mentality. If something is hurting, especially as we grow older, it's not something to ignore. High-impact activities can especially be hard on the knees, so choose low-impact exercises. Walking may not be as exciting as running but it's safer. You can still gain muscle mass and strength well into your 80s. Above all, choose an activity that you want to do, not have to do.
It's never too late to start been physically active and to achieve the real benefits of an active lifestyle!