Watchtower Study, Week of January 5-11, 2026, How to Maintain Joy in Old Age, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, January 5-11, 2026, How to Maintain Joy in Old Age, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“In their old age they will continue to prosper” (Ps. 92:14).

1, 2. How does Jehovah view faithful brothers who are growing old? (Psalm 92:12-14; see also the picture.)

In some parts of the world, growing old is considered an honor. However, in others, people go to great lengths to hide the passage of time. For example, as soon as they see the first gray hair, they pluck it out. But plucking gray hairs won't make them stop appearing. This example illustrates how difficult it can be to accept that we are getting older.

2 Now, how does our heavenly Father view the brothers who are growing old? (Prov. 16:31). He compares them to thriving trees (read Psalm 92:12-14). And it is a very fitting comparison. Trees that are full of leaves and fragrant blossoms are often decades old. One of the most impressive and beautiful species is the Japanese flowering cherry tree, which can live for over 1,000 years. Like these mature trees, elderly Christians are beautiful, especially in God's eyes. Jehovah sees beyond gray hair and notices their remarkable qualities. They have served him faithfully for many years through good times and bad.

ILLUSTRATION

An elderly couple is sitting on an outdoor bench surrounded by cherry blossom trees.

Like flourishing, mature trees, the older siblings are very beautiful and continue to thrive. (See paragraph 2).

3. Mention how Jehovah used one of his elderly servants to accomplish his will.

3 Jehovah does not think that we lose value with age. On the contrary, he often uses his elderly servants to accomplish his will. For example, Sarah was already quite old when it was announced to her that she would have a son from whom a powerful nation would emerge and that she would be an ancestor of the Messiah. (Gen. 17:15-19). Similarly, Moses was very old when he was tasked with leading the Israelites out of Egypt. (Ex. 7:6, 7). And it was also in his old age that the apostle John wrote five biblical books by inspiration.

4. According to Proverbs 15:15, what quality helps older brothers to cope with difficulties? (See also the picture.)

4 Old age brings many challenges. One sister jokingly said, “Growing old isn’t for chickens.” But there is one quality that helps older siblings face difficulties: joy. (Read Proverbs 15:15.) In this article, we will see what these brothers and sisters can do to maintain their joy. We will also discuss how the rest of the congregation can support them. But first, we will talk about why maintaining joy as the years go by is a challenge.

ILLUSTRATION

The couple in the previous image, embracing and smiling under the branches of a cherry blossom tree.

A cheerful and positive attitude helps older siblings cope with the difficulties that come with age. (See paragraph 4.)

THE CHALLENGE OF MAINTAINING JOY

5. What things might discourage us as we get older?

5. What things might discourage us as we get older? Perhaps we are saddened by our inability to do the same things we once did. Or perhaps we miss the youth and good health of bygone days. (Ecl. 7:10). A sister named Ruby says: “I find it very difficult to get dressed because it’s incredibly hard for me to move and my whole body hurts. Something as simple as lifting my feet to put on my socks is torture. Since my hands are clumsy and deformed by arthritis, even the smallest task becomes an ordeal.” Harold, who served at Bethel, says: “I’ve become a person I don’t recognize anymore, and that sometimes makes me really angry. I’ve always been very athletic, and baseball was my hobby. When we played, the others would say, ‘Pass the ball to Harold, he never misses!’ But now I don’t think I could even throw it.”

6. (a) What other things might discourage us? (b) What should older siblings consider to determine whether they should stop driving? (See the article “Should I Stop Driving?” in this magazine.)

6 We may also be discouraged by the prospect of losing our independence. This is especially true when we depend on a caregiver or have to move in with a child. Or perhaps due to poor health or loss of sight we can no longer drive or go places alone. How depressing! But something that can help us is to remember that, even though we may not be able to take care of ourselves, live alone, or drive, we are still very valuable to Jehovah and others. Furthermore, we know that Jehovah understands our feelings. He notices what we are like on the inside: the great love and appreciation we have for him and for our brothers and sisters. (1 Sam. 16:7).

7. What will help us if we are saddened by the possibility of not seeing the end of this system?

7 Another thing that might sadden us is the thought that we may not live to see the end of this system. If we feel this way, it will help to remember that Jehovah is patiently waiting before bringing an end to this wicked world (Isa. 30:18). And that patience has a purpose: to give millions of people time to come to know God and serve him. (2 Ped. 3:9). So when we are overcome by discouragement, let us try to think of all the people—perhaps even in our own family—who will benefit from Jehovah's patience before the end comes.

8. How might age-related problems affect older people?

8 When we are not feeling well, all of us—young or old—are likely to say or do things we will later regret (Eccl. 7:7; Jas. 3:2). That is what happened to faithful Job. Suffering drove him to use “impetuous” words. (Job 6:1-3, note). On the other hand, a medical problem could lead us to do or say things that are not usual for us. Of course, no one should use age or health as an excuse to be rude or overly demanding. And if we realize we've made an unkind comment, we shouldn't hesitate to apologize. (Matt. 5:23, 24).

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING JOY

ILLUSTRATION

A cherry blossom branch. In several circles are pictures of things brothers and sisters do to maintain joy in old age. The images are repeated in paragraphs 9 to 13.

How can we maintain joy despite the challenges of old age? (See paragraphs 9-13).

9. Why is it good to let ourselves be helped? (See also the images).

9 Let us accept help (Gal. 6:2). At first, this may be difficult. A sister named Gretl says: “Sometimes I find it hard to accept help because I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. It has taken me time to learn to be humble and admit that I need a helping hand.” But when we accept help from others, we give them the opportunity to experience the happiness that comes from giving (Acts 20:35). And we too will feel happy when we see how much they love and care for us.

ILLUSTRATION

An older sister is holding onto the arm of a younger sister as they go grocery shopping together.

(See paragraph 9).

10. Why shouldn't we forget to show our gratitude? (See also the image).

10 Let us show our gratitude (Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:18). When others do things for us, we feel gratitude, even if we forget to show it. But with a smile and a "thank you," we can make them feel that we truly appreciate what they do. Leah, who cares for older siblings at Bethel, says: “One of the sisters leaves me little thank-you notes. They’re short, but full of love. I love them! I feel so happy knowing she appreciates my help.”

ILLUSTRATION

An older sister writing a thank you card.

(See paragraph 10).

11. In what ways can we help others? (See also the image.)

11 Let's help others. When we focus on giving of our time and energy, we are less likely to focus on our own problems. An African proverb compares elders to libraries, holding a wealth of wisdom. But books left on shelves teach nothing and tell no stories. So let's be like "walking libraries" and share our knowledge and experience with younger generations. Let's ask them questions and then listen to them. Let's explain why obeying Jehovah is always the best thing and what will make them happy. And we will surely feel happy too as we comfort and strengthen them. (Ps. 71:18).

ILLUSTRATION

An older brother listening to a younger brother who is telling him something.

(See paragraph 11).

12. What does Jehovah promise his elderly servants at Isaiah 46:4? (See also the picture.)

12 Let us ask Jehovah for strength. Although we may sometimes feel physically or emotionally exhausted, Jehovah “never gets tired or weary” (Isa. 40:28). He possesses infinite energy and, among other things, uses it to strengthen his faithful elderly servants (Isa. 40:29-31). In fact, he promises to sustain them (read Isaiah 46:4). And Jehovah always keeps his promises. (Josh. 23:14; Isa. 55:10, 11). Every time we personally experience His love and support, we cannot help but feel very happy.

ILLUSTRATION

An older brother saying a prayer.

(See paragraph 12).

13. According to 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, what should we remember? (See also the image.)

13 Let us remember that old age and its infirmities are temporary. Understanding that something negative is temporary always helps us to endure it. And the Bible assures us that old age and ill health will cease to exist. (Job 33:25; Isaiah 33:24). How glad we are to know that our best days are not behind us, but are yet to come! (Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Now, how can others help?

ILLUSTRATION

An older sister in a wheelchair is reading the Bible and imagining herself in Paradise as a young woman, getting up from her chair.

(See paragraph 13).

HOW CAN WE HELP THE ELDERLY?

14. Why is it important to call and visit older siblings?

14 Visiting them and calling them regularly (Heb. 13:16). Older people often feel lonely. A brother named Pierre says: “Since I can’t leave the house all day, I get terribly bored. Sometimes I feel like an old caged lion: nervous and overwhelmed.” When we visit our elders, we show them that we care about them and that we love them. But we all probably remember times when we thought about visiting or calling a brother or sister in the congregation, but in the end, we didn't. Since we all lead busy lives, what will help us focus on “the more important things,” such as visiting our elderly relatives? (Phil. 1:10) Perhaps it would be helpful to set a reminder on our calendar to send them a message or call them. And when we do want to visit, let's make concrete plans and not leave it to chance.

15. What can young people and the elderly do together?

15 Are you a young person? Then you might be wondering what topics you can talk about with older people and what activities you can do together. But don't overthink it. All you have to do is be a good friend (Prov. 17:17). Talk to them before or after meetings. You could ask them to tell you their favorite scripture or a funny anecdote from their childhood. Another option is to invite them to watch a JW Broadcasting® program. You could also help them in practical ways, such as updating their electronic devices or downloading the latest study publications for them. A sister named Carol suggests, “Invite them to do what you enjoy most. Even though I’m getting on in years, I still enjoy life. I like to go shopping, eat out, and admire art.” Another sister, Maira, adds, “One of my friends is 90 years old, so she’s 57 years older than me. But I often don’t even think about that, because we spend all our time laughing and watching movies together. And we turn to each other whenever we need advice.”

16. Why might it be advisable to accompany elderly people to the doctor?

16 Accompanying them to the doctor. In addition to taking them to their appointments, we can offer to stay with them to make sure they are treated well and receive all the attention they need (Isaiah 1:17). We could even take notes on what the doctor says. A sister named Ruth explains: “When I go alone, the doctors don’t usually take me seriously. They might make comments like, ‘Your problem is psychological; it’s all in your head.’ But when I go with someone, the treatment is very different. I’m so grateful to the brothers and sisters who make time to go with me.”

17. In what aspects of ministry can we participate with the elderly?

17 Participating with them in ministry. Sometimes older siblings don't have the strength to preach from house to house. Have we thought about inviting them to ride in the cart with us? We could even bring a chair for them to sit in. Or how about inviting them to join us for a Bible course, perhaps even leading it in their home? The elders can organize preaching meetings in the homes of these brothers to make it easier for them to go out into the ministry. Any effort we make to honor them will be worthwhile. (Prov. 3:27; Rom. 12:10).

18. What will the next study article be about?

18 This article has reminded us that Jehovah and the entire congregation love and value the elderly. It is true that growing old is a difficult stage of life, but with Jehovah’s help it is possible to maintain a joyful spirit (Ps. 37:25). How encouraging it is to know that our best days are not behind us but are still to come! But what if we are the ones caring for an elderly relative, a child, or a sick friend? What will help us maintain our joy? We'll explore the answer in the following article.

WHAT WOULD WE ANSWER?

What things might discourage older siblings?

They may be saddened by their inability to do the same things they once did, or perhaps they miss their youth and good health. They may also be discouraged by the loss of their independence, especially when they depend on a caregiver or have to move in with a child. Furthermore, due to poor health or vision loss, they may no longer be able to drive or go places on their own.

What can older people do to maintain joy?

To maintain a positive outlook, older adults can allow others to help them, even if it's difficult at first. It's also important to show gratitude when others do things for them. While they may forget to express it, a smile and a "thank you" will make those who help them feel truly appreciated.

They can help others. When they focus on giving of their time and energy, they are less likely to dwell on their own problems. Furthermore, they can ask Jehovah for strength. Although they may sometimes feel physically or emotionally exhausted, Jehovah “never tires or grows weary.” He possesses infinite energy and, among other things, uses it to strengthen his faithful elderly servants. In fact, he promises to sustain them, and Jehovah always keeps his promises.

How can we help elderly Christians?

We can help them by visiting and calling them regularly. Older people often feel lonely, and when we visit them, we show them that we care and love them. However, we might think about visiting or calling an older sibling and then not follow through. Since we all lead busy lives, it might be helpful to set a reminder on our calendar to send them a message or call them.