Credit Card Debt

Posted by Leona Bergstrom

Is Credit Card Debt Ravaging the Lives Seniors?

The downturn in the economy has impacted the lives of all Americans. People have lost jobs, life-savings, retirement funds--and confidence. The impact has been severe on our nation’s midlife and older adults. But a troubling trend is appearing: seniors are racking up credit card debt. “Hit by rising costs, fixed incomes and declining wealth, many older Americans are going deeper in debt by relying more and more on credit cards to pay for basic needs,” states a recent article in The Washington Post, (August 30, 2009).

The article goes on to quote a study entitled “The Plastic Safety Net” by Demos, a non-partisan public policy research group, which found that “average credit-card debt among low - and middle-income Americans 65 and older carrying a balance for more than three months reached $10,235, up 26% from 2005. It was the fastest increase of any age group.” The study reports that, on average, $4,000 of a senior’s credit card debt had covered medical expenses, such as prescription drugs, dental expenses and doctor visits.

The National Consumer Law Center states that credit card payment problems are the leading cause of chapter 7 consumer bankruptcy filings. Since 1993, more than 1 million people aged 50 and older have filed for bankruptcy. The top three reasons: loss of job, medical debt problems and high credit card debt.

It stands to reason that many senior adults in our churches and communities are caught in the turmoil of financial stress. Many are living on fixed incomes and are unable to meet the demands of escalating costs. This is an important time for pastors and leaders to be especially vigilant in assessing the needs of financially vulnerable adults. Here are some suggestions:

* Be alert to changes in mood, higher levels of anxiety or signs of depression. Concern about finances shows on faces and in attitudes.

* Talk with seniors who you suspect could be facing financial strain. Refer them to trusted financial planning professionals. Consider assisting them through your church benevolence fund. Rally to help with practical needs such as home or car maintenance. Provide food or grocery store gift cards.

* Offer classes in how to choose and use credit cards wisely.

* Offer transitional or job training classes.

* Lead people to the Word of God and to lives of trust.

* Pray with and for your seniors asking and trusting God to meet their needs.

The Washington Post article reminds us “older Americans are among the most vulnerable age group in this recession. They are carrying debt loads they can barely handle with their fixed incomes, dwindling retirement savings and, in many cases, devalued homes.” Let us be on the alert for those in our midst who need a helping hand and encouraging word.

Breaking the “Boomer Code” – Part 5 of 5

Posted by Leona Bergstrom

Code Breaker #4: Find Significance

It has been said that significance is the new capital, meaning it is not enough for people to have arrived at financial security in midlife. What people really hunger for is to make a significant contribution to the world. Many Boomers are asking “Am I meant to do something more with my life?”

Bob Buford, author of HalfTime and Finishing Well, and CEO and president of Leadership Network states, “Success to me is using your knowledge and experience to build up your own portfolio. Significance is using your knowledge and experience to share with others. I really believe the church is going to be the logical gateway for increasing levels of significance in society – if the leaders in the church are willing to challenge people.”

It is important that as we plan ministry with Boomers that we don’t try to corral them into a “group” but rather train, equip, and deploy them into a world that needs their ideas and energy. We can create infrastructures that not only inspire Boomers to make a difference but provide opportunities to do so.

We have been thrilled to watch people in the second half of life tackle the challenges of our society. We’ve taken many on short-term mission trips to countries that needed their expertise and skills. We’ve seen Boomers transform schools, communities, government, businesses, and families. This may be the time that Boomers fulfill the dreams of that Beatles’ song, “They say we want a revolution, oh no, we just want to change the world….”

Opportunities Ahead

These are four code breakers that we think will begin to break down the walls for ministry with and through Boomers. The old ways are not going to work with this generation. Ministry will need to be new, fresh, innovative – and be the Boomers’ ideas!

Our conclusion is that there is plenty of passion, plenty of energy and plenty of need! The time is now for us to be creative and work together to reach Boomers for Christ and watch them bloom!

Breaking the “Boomer Code” – Part 4 of 5

Posted by Leona Bergstrom

Code Breaker #3: Re-Focus

The story is told of a rabbi in a Russian city at the turn of the century. He was disappointed by a lack of direction and purpose. As he aimlessly walked the empty streets he began to question his faith in God, the Scriptures and his call to ministry. The only thing colder than the winter air was the chill in his own heart. In his despair he mistakenly wandered into a Russian military compound, which was off limits to any civilians. Out of the silence a loud voice barked, "Who are you and what are you doing here?" yelled a Russian guard. "Excuse me?" replied the rabbi. "I said, who are you and what are you doing here?" After a moment, the rabbi asked the guard, "How much do you get paid every day?" "What does that have to do with you?" the guard responded. The rabbi responded, "I will pay you the equal sum if you will ask me those same two questions every day: "Who are you and what are you doing here?"


These are pertinent questions for people in the second half of life. They have a unique opportunity to re-examine and re-assess their lives and determine a new direction for their remaining years.

This is probably the most critical code-breaker in ministry with Boomers. We can help create opportunities, whether in a retreat setting or in a series of classes or small groups, that help people make that exploration. Galatians 6:4-5 in The Message says “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”

In our ministry we use a basic re-focus process:
• Review Biblical passages that capture one’s unique purpose in life.
• Reflect on one’s own personal life and develop a timeline that reviews critical incidents, times of growth, significant people, decisions, and how God has worked in the past.
• Identify one’s core values, things about which one is passionate.
• Discover one’s gifts and strengths (using Meyers-Briggs, Strengths Finder or other tools)
• Compose a personal mission statement that includes goals, action plans and God-directed vision for the second half of life.

The transitions and changes at this season of life provide the stage upon which one can perform new drama – or, as some would call, an Encore!

We have found that refocusing is equally critical for women as well as men. Boomers are the “I am Woman, I am Exhausted” generation. They’ve tried to do it all – develop a career, parent, care for parents, exercise and stay fit. This is an important time to slow down and refocus our lives and determine how to live out the bonus years.

Breaking the “Boomer Code” – Part 3 of 5

Posted by Leona Bergstrom

Code Breaker #2: Relationships

When we first began working with Boomers we surveyed a large sampling of them and discovered that individuals were longing for relationships and a sense of community. During the child-raising years it seemed relatively easy for relationships to develop around common interests such as soccer teams and ballet recitals. But with life morphing into something unrecognizable there seemed to be a deepening need for relationships. Also, those surveyed responded simply, “We just want to have some FUN.”

Yep, these adults who are working 60-80 hours a week, babysitting grandkids, caring for increasingly dependent parents, paying off mortgages and college tuition bills, and going to the doctor more frequently, well, they want to kick up their heels and have some fun “like the good old days.”

So a great deal of our ministry has been in developing opportunities through which Boomers can begin to make new friends, share life and party! One success that has now become an annual event is our “Boomer Bash.” We started when the Boomers first started turning 60 so that we could celebrate such a milestone. We pulled out the tie-dye shirts, daisy chains, pizza and Cokes – oh, and a real live Golden Oldies band, and we threw a party! What happened was that people laughed, tapped their toes, danced, remembered and sang every word to every song, and had fun. They also heard the stories of fellow-Boomers who had found Christ and how their lives had been changed. The first Bash broke down some walls and smashed some stereotypes and incredibly, it wasn’t so bad to be in the 2nd ½ Ministries group!

We’ve worked at trying to create environments in which people can develop relationships. We do small group dinners, have large group gatherings around themes and interests, and hold classes and support groups around common issues and concerns. We’ve seen churched people begin to forge relationships with each other and reach out to other Boomers in their communities. Inviting one’s un-churched friend to hear a Beatles sound-alike band might be an easier entrée to church than morning worship.

Boomer thoughts #2

Posted by Terry McNichols

My church has a group for seniors. I must admit to the fact that neither I nor my husband consider ourselves "elderly" enough to join the group. We hold the same stereotypes Leona is discussing when we see the ads for activities and events. It doesn't matter that this group is far more active than we are, taking bike and kayak trips, hiking, experiencing lots of cultural events. We just don't want to admit that we have "crossed over" into that never-never land of "senior activities."

I heard a friend, who is in his late 60's, call the church group "that group for old people." But the group was offering something of interest, so he was considering checking it out.

It is surprising, however, that this dislike of stereotypes continues on. My parents, who are in their 80's, have fought the fact that they are indeed "old," in spite of living in a retirement community where they are indeed near the top of the age bracket. We all continue to look at ourselves as "different" from those around us, much younger, not ready for the planned activities.

So yes, meeting the needs of our generation will take some creativity!
(Photo by sunnydelishgirl, Flickr)

Breaking the “Boomer Code” – Part 2 of 5

Posted by Leona Bergstrom

Code Breaker #1: Recognition

The first thing leaders must do is to understand what makes Boomers so distinct. Simply put: Demographically, they are 78 million persons in the United States aged 46-62. Historically, they form the single largest generational cohort. Philosophically, they have redefined American culture. Sociologically, they connect through a unique generational identity bordered by dramatic historical events, music, and mass media. Economically, they are the wealthiest generation in American history. And spiritually, they are seeking authenticity, experience and personal truth.

To effectively minister we will need to:
• Recognize Boomers as members of a unique generational cohort, connected by shared experiences.
• Recognize that Boomers do not want to be referred to as “seniors” and don’t want to be associated with stereotypical seniors ministries. (Or as one Boomer told us, “I don’t want to be in the same group as my mother.”)

• Recognize that Boomers are transitioning into uncharted physical, emotional and spiritual territory.

Breaking the “Boomer Code” – Part 1 of 5

Posted by Leona Bergstrom


When we talk with leaders of older adult ministries in churches we consistently hear a comment something like this: “How are we going to attract the younger people? Boomers just don’t seem to want to be a part of our seniors group.”

Our answer: Most likely you’re not going to bring the Boomers into anything that looks or acts like a “seniors” ministry. It’s going to have to be unique, compelling and maybe even revolutionary!

The Baby Boomers, referring to those adults that were born sometime between 1946 and 1964, is a generation unlike any other. Defined by the historical, political, economic and social events of its youth, this cadre of aging adults may be chronologically qualified for the Seniors Ministry, but its fairly safe to say that they aren’t rushing to join.

Many individuals within this generation are still searching for truth, meaning and a reason for their existence. One need not look far to find books, articles and websites written by Boomers who are struggling with transitions into a new phase of life. It is clear that opportunities for ministry are abundant and significant.

So how do we minister to Boomers? How do we begin to break through the walls of denial, indifference, arrogance, rebellion, and fear that seem to surround this generation? How do we share Christ with a people group that is known for spiritual exploration and tolerance? How do we meet the needs of Boomers who are facing unprecedented changes? How do we break the code?

As a result of working with Boomers in our own church and with leaders of 50’s+ ministries in other churches and denominations across the country, we have begun to identify some code breakers. We have decided to continue this thread for the next 4 Mondays, as we discuss the code breakers!
(Photo by David Reeves, Flickr)