Aging concerns are not new. The Church has always served those who are aging. However, as we enter the 21st century the new ministry challenge is not mere-aging but mass-aging.

Gary Andrews, speaking at the 45th annual meeting in 2003 of the American Society of Aging (ASA) said,

The world population increases with a net addition of nearly one-million people age 60 or older every month. Additionally, two-thirds (2/3) of all people in human history who have ever reached age 65 or older, and three-fourths (3/4) of all people in human history who have ever reached age 75 or older – are living today.

That represents Mass-Aging! A challenge and opportunity that has never been faced before by any nation or church in any culture.

Reflecting on this century of mass-aging, the National Council on Aging reports that one-third (1/3) of Americans in their seventies consider themselves middle-aged, and nearly half (44%) of Americans age 65 and older, describe the present as the best years of their lives. How will the Church respond to the current challenge to engage in active ministry those who are in active retirement? The Senior Ministry Inventory helps your congregation focus on how to minister in a culture of mass-aging.