As human beings we long for a good life which is purposeful and fulfilling. The lifespan is challenged by several factors, some of which we have no control over. This includes the inevitable processes of ageing as we become older adults. While age is inevitable, we do have some choice about how we think about, inhabit and live well in older age.

This day will explore the nature of age in older age. We shall look at some of the blessings and burdens of 3rd and 4th age. In this process we shall be inviting two or three older people to share with us something of their story of ageing. We shall all have an opportunity to think about what our vocation might be as we grow older. What do we want to become? What do we want to do with these years? How do we wish to live well? What kind of legacy might we wish to leave behind?

Our working assumption for the day is the conviction that these years of our lives are good and fruitful. There is adventure and new things to discover about ourselves, our faith and the world around us. Within this context we shall explore the nature of generativity and its possibility for growth and fulfilment as we embrace the richness and complexities of ageing.

The day will be of interest to all of us who are ageing, offering an opportunity to reflect together about vocation. It will also offer those who work with older people an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the nature and practice of pastoral accompaniment with older adults. Facilitators will provide space to reflect about the shape that age is taking in us. It will be a particular interest to those who work with older people and those who are interested in developing their skill in pastoral care.

 About the course leaders 

Julia Burton-Jones has been working on issues surrounding ageing, dementia and the needs of family carers throughout her working life. She is an author on these themes and an adult educator and has worked with several national charities for older people in development and project management roles.

Her first degree was in Sociology and Social Administration from Bristol University, and she has an MEd in Adult and Continuing Education from Nottingham University. Since 2015 she has worked within the formation and ministry team at Rochester Diocese as Anna Chaplaincy lead and dementia specialist and now works with a team of over 100 Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends in both Rochester and Canterbury Dioceses.

In 2020 Julia took on a part-time post as training and development lead for Anna Chaplaincy at BRF, a Christian charity whose vision is to enable people of all ages to grow in faith and understanding of the Bible and to see more people equipped to exercise their gifts in leadership and ministry.

The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal of Sarum College, is a practical theologian who specialises in health and healing, old age, theological reflection, and end of life care.