Part 3 of the 3-Part Series The RJFFA vs. Loneliness 

This last episode of the series delves into the significant role seniors can play in combating loneliness, emphasizing the importance of being present, flexible, and offering their resources. It highlights specific actions RJFFA (Retired Jesus Following Folks of America) can take. 

Reaching Out to Pastors 

We addressed the unique challenges pastors face, often experiencing isolation due to the demands of their role and potentially feeling disconnected from their congregations. Some practical ideas you can implement: 

• Connect with pastors from different churches. Stepping outside your own church community allows for building new relationships and offering support to those outside your immediate circle. 

• Offer a listening ear. Inviting a pastor for coffee or lunch creates a space for genuine connection and understanding his or her specific struggles without judgment. 

• Provide practical help. For pastors with young families, offering childcare or assistance with errands can significantly alleviate their burden. Or if you’re handy, volunteer to fix something for them or put your skills to use. 

Combating Loneliness Among Peers  

Stay connected with fellow retirees, particularly those who might be struggling due to limited mobility or social isolation. Some of the show suggestions: 

• Regularly visit or call friends and acquaintances. Maintaining contact helps combat feelings of loneliness and reminds them they are valued members of the community. 

• Actively listen and identify needs. Asking how you can best support your peers allows for tailored assistance, whether it's running errands, providing companionship, or simply being a listening ear. 

• Offer practical assistance. Transportation, household chores, or other tasks that have become challenging can significantly improve their quality of life. 

Lending Support to Businessmen and women 

As they can suffer from loneliness too, retirees can come alongside businesspeople, both current and retired, to support them and protect them from succumbing to loneliness.

• Mentorship. Retired business owners and workers have a great opportunity to pour into younger generations. Your experience is valuable! 

• Relate to them. You’ve both walked through similar circumstances in dealing with the ups and downs of enterprise. Be a listening ear and wealth of wisdom. 

Even small gestures of kindness and connection can have profound impact in reducing loneliness and fostering strong bonds among retirees. Also hear from CEO of Life Action, Donny Vanker. Check out Life Action for all sorts of help and resources to encourage and love on your pastors, business leaders, and other retirees in your life!

www.RetirementReformation.org99

Part 2 of the 3-Part Series The RJFFA vs. Loneliness 

This episode places a special focus on loneliness among pastors and how retirees can offer support. Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose in retirement, particularly through helping others. They connect with Ed Villalba from Life Action, a ministry that encourages pastors. 

The majority of pastors face isolation and the inability to share their struggles openly. Church seniors are valuable resources who can offer practical help (like babysitting or fixing things around the house), sometimes financial support, or simply ask “how can I be praying for you?” 

Expressing appreciation and offering encouragement to pastors can make a big difference, too. Retirees have a lot to give, like contributing skills and experience by actively serving in the church. By working together, the RJFFA (Retired Jesus-Following Folks of America) can make a significant impact on reducing loneliness among pastors and fostering a thriving church community. Listen for practical ideas that you can start putting into action right away!

www.RetirementReformation.org

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series The RJFFA vs. Loneliness 

This iRetire4Him episode looks at the epidemic of loneliness in retirees, pastors, and business leaders. It highlights how the Retired Jesus-Following Folks of America (RJFFA), with their wealth of experience, can come to the rescue and address this widespread issue. 

Loneliness can be a serious health concern according to a recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General. Seniors especially struggle with shrinking social circles and negative societal views on aging. Pastors and business leaders also experience loneliness due to difficulties finding trusted confidantes. The show argues that retirees hold the solution. With more time and wisdom, they can connect with lonely individuals across these groups.  

Hear from Bruce Bruinsma, founder of Retirement Reformation, which helps retirees find purpose, and Phil Burks, a retired entrepreneur who now mentors younger generations. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full episode and Retirement Reformation's resources to learn how to combat loneliness and find fulfillment in their later years.

www.RetirementReformation.org

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy 

This episode of the iRetire4Him Podcast wraps up the “grumpy” series by going over a few more reasons retirees might be grumpy. As Bruce always notes, we must be aware of these issues to prepare for and combat them. Some challenges that make us grumpy? It could be transitioning to different living accommodations due to aging, frustrations with technology, and even disputes over church music preferences.  

Sheila Arrington, the second segment guest, shares her journey of finding purpose and ministry in retirement, emphasizing that age is not a barrier to fulfilling God's call. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and finding new avenues for service and contribution, even in retirement. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with aging, the message is clear: as Christians, there's no room for grumpiness. Instead, retirees are encouraged to embrace the fruitful life offered by Jesus, living out the fruit of the Spirit to overcome grumpiness.  

You’re invited to connect with resources like Bruce's new book, Living the Fruitful Life, and Sheila Arrington Ministries for support and guidance in navigating the retirement journey with faith and purpose.  

www.RetirementReformation.org

Part 2 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy 

The last episode explored how declining health might make seniors grumpy, especially since it’s a life change that nobody signs up for. This second episode in our “grumpy series” highlights how simple things like less sleep and side effects of medications can seriously affect our moods. How do we combat normal reactions to these common issues?  

Bruce Bruinsma, founder of the Retirement Reformation, has the solution and has presented it in his new book Living the Fruitful Life. Producing spiritual fruit helps retirees to be proactive in their daily attitude when facing the problems aging might bring. Leaning into the Holy Spirit is key! Keep listening to hear more advice about Bruce’s book. 

And along with this spiritual advice, Brad Watt joins to share some practical guidance on making the most of your assets. He and his company help seniors to walk through something called 1031 DST investment strategies, which essentially can set you up with a passive income stream using an asset you already own but don’t use (like property). If this is something you might be interested in, contact Brad for more information.  

www.RetirementReformation.org 

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy 

In episode 109 of the iRetire4Him Podcast, Jim and Bruce explore the seemingly simple question - “why are old people grumpy?” As you’ll hear in the show, grumpiness in retirees can be attributed to all sorts of things, including resistance to change, aches and pains, and the occasional memory slip. Bruce comically shares his own back pain ailments, turning him into a less-than-enthusiastic retiree.  

The middle segment features a lively chat with Jennifer Mann, who shares her unexpected journey from finance to starting seminary (at age 58!), finding newfound purpose through caregiving. Amidst the grumpy conversation, Bruce introduces his upcoming book, Living the Fruitful Life, a guide to combat grumpiness with the Holy Spirit's help and apply the fruits of the Spirit to life's challenges. If you find yourself feeling grumpy these days, be sure to give this episode a listen and join us for the rest of the series! 

www.RetirementReformation.org

Part 3 in the 3-Part Event Offerings & Trips Series

Retirement doesn't diminish one's calling – it enhances it! The episode features Bruce Bruinsma, founder of Retirement Reformation, discussing events like the Retirement Voices afternoon and evening events, aiming to guide retirees through their transitions with practical insights.  

The conversation delves into the upcoming mission trips Bruce is leading, highlighting the collaboration with Compel Global for the Belize trip, scheduled April 14-20. Father-son duo, Steve and JJ Harling hop on in the second segment to give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what Compel is helping with in Belize, inviting you to be a part of it this April!  

The Serengeti Safari, set for May 10-21, promises a transformative experience in the vast landscapes of Tanzania, fostering community discussions on retirement transitions. Bruce underlines the value of these trips, not merely as travel experiences but as pivotal moments shaping the next chapters of retirees' lives. To learn more about these opportunities and how Compel Global is making a global impact, visit www.retirementreformation.org/compelled and www.retirementreformation.org/safari

www.RetirementReformation.org

Part 2 in the 3-Part Event Offerings & Trips Series

In the latest iRetire4Him episode, hosts Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma delve into the purpose-filled world of retirement through the Oxygen for Life weekend events by Retirement Reformation. Rejecting the stereotype that retirement signals the end of one's calling, the event celebrates retirees, combats their silent departure from churches, and sparks conversations on finding meaning despite the world’s message of “do nothing.”  

Special guest Hal Habecker of Finishing Well ministries joins us again to discuss what he’s noticed in Christian retirees and about what Finishing Well is doing to propel these “chronologically superior” folk from despondency to purpose. We also extend the invitation of two upcoming transformative trips: a hands-on mission in Belize and a captivating safari – both literal and spiritual – in Tanzania. Designed for those aged 50-80, these experiences promise to be life changing. Find more information on each trip at the links below: 

Belize, April 14-20, 2024: https://retirementreformation.org/compelled 

Tanzania, May 10-21, 2024: https://retirementreformation.org/safari 

www.RetirementReformation.org

Part 1 in the 3-Part Event Offerings & Trips Series

Learn more about Retirement Reformation’s Recreating Retirement Small Group Study, a unique curriculum designed to help retirees discover purpose and meaning at different stages of retirement. Bruce emphasizes its flexibility for small groups in churches, community centers, or even living rooms.

In way of taking action, special guest Cindy King joins the conversation, highlighting the crucial need for wraparound grandparenting in the foster care system. She gives practical ideas for helping foster care families, so you can start supporting your own local foster and adoption families today.

We’re also excited to share details about upcoming trips to Belize and Tanzania this spring – and you’re invited! Tune in to the third segment to hear about Bruce’s vision for those trips, and find more information at www.RetirementReformation.org/compelled (Belize trip) and www.RetirementReformation.org/safari (Tanzania trip).

www.RetirementReformation.org

Part 3 in the 3-Part Wraparound Grandparenting Series

It’s time to recognize the dilemma of foster care in America and realize the support that retirees can offer! According to Retirement Reformation founder Bruce Bruinsma, that’s the first step – awareness. Well, then it’s time to take action! This episode shares so many practical examples of what “wraparound grandparenting” might look like for retirees.  

Focus on the Family’s VP of Advocacy for Children, Robyn Chambers, promotes wraparound grandparenting as an easy “on ramp” for Christian seniors to serve in the area of fostering/adoption. Everyone has a gift to give. Here are a few simple support ideas Bruce, Jim, and Robyn discussed:  

• Mentoring teens that will soon leave the foster care system, teaching them basic life skills and lessons 

• Giving foster/adoptive parents a break or night off 

• Helping with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, or getting groceries 

More ideas and information can be found in the downloadable Legacy of Love ebook. Robyn also mentions the resource WaitNoMore.org that encourages and equips “family allies” to take a more hands-on support approach.  

Bring this idea to your pastor and church family. Let’s show the world how much the Church values children, foster/adoptive families, and retirees. Reformation in the foster care system in this country can start with YOU!

www.RetirementReformation.org