Elders, Caregivers, and the Living Word of God

Tammy Marino of Unbound shares how critical it is to support people who need help and those tasked with caring for others. 

According to the World Health Organization, by 2030, one in six people in the world will be 60 years old or older. And by 2050, the world’s population of people 60 years and older will double. As our global elderly population increases, it is imperative that we continue to provide our treasured older adults with not just much-needed health care, but also the kinds of companionship and social supports that add beautiful shine to the golden years.  

As our population ages, more people are taking on the role of caregiver, defined as anyone who helps another person in need. Caregivers are typically tasked with assisting their loved ones with medical appointments and services, day-to-day errands and functions, helping with finances or legal issues, and providing emotional support. One group of caregivers who can often feel the weight of the world on their shoulders is the “sandwich generation” — middle-aged adults who must care for both their aging parents and their own children.  

In the Gospel of Matthew, we read:

"And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25:40)

God wants us to be the support system for our loved ones and others in need. Catholic social tradition teaches us that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers whether they live, near or far. So how can people, and organizations, balance the load of caring for our elderly while also supporting our caregivers?  

Promote Well-being of All Ages 

Unbound is the only major U.S.-based child sponsorship organization that offers the opportunity to connect with and support older adults. Because Unbound seeks to understand the distinct needs of elderly people living in poverty, many of whom may have health issues and may be feeling isolated and alone, one of the guiding pillars of the Unbound community is to promote the well-being of all ages. More than 30,000 older adults are part of Unbound’s elder sponsorship program globally, which focuses on helping elders live in circumstances befitting their dignity. 

Medical results are one way to measure well-being. Indeed, 90% of sponsored elders who participated in a diabetes pilot program facilitated by Unbound and Chronic Care International in the Philippines had their A1C levels under control after one year of participation. But we need to also think of the lives of the elders beyond their physical health. 

In addition to providing these elders with greater access to medical care, Unbound promotes the well-being of all ages through older adult inclusion and psycho-social supports. There are support groups where elders can meet and connect with others in their community, and Unbound also provides targeted caregiver interventions including trainings, skills development and livelihood assistance based on their expressed needs. Caregivers receive medical support when needed and necessary repairs to ensure their homes are safer and more comfortable for themselves and the elders in their care. Additionally, Unbound provides opportunities for elders and their caregivers to connect with their family and neighbors, giving back to others and engaging spiritually. 

“Unbound is unique in responding to the call to support elders around the world in not only meeting their ongoing needs, such as medical and adequate housing, but also recognizing that they have much to offer society,” said Becky Findley, Unbound’s vice president of program development. “Unbound works to ensure that elders are included members of communities and have the opportunity to contribute their wisdom to better the lives of those around them.” 

Compassion, Humility, Gentleness 

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ( Colossians 3:12)

Serving as a caregiver can be stressful and draining. Watching our loved ones age and become ill or frail can be fraught with sadness, anger, confusion and helplessness. But as caregivers gifted with God’s grace, we must do our best to remember when we are in a caregiving role to serve with that compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.   

It can be difficult at times to maintain the strength and compassion required to care for others, whether elders or children. One great way to stay balanced is by connecting with peers who are dealing with similar struggles. That’s why Unbound provides families with access to community support networks made up of self-help support groups of parents and elders. These groups encourage learning and growth and offer participants mutual support, eventually becoming spaces where they feel empowered to reweave the fabric of community and work together to create solutions to challenges they face. 

Above all, caregivers must remember to take time for self-care by directing that same compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience inward — finding moments to devote time to a creative outlet, fun activity, or personal physical and mental health. When our elders, and in some cases our elders and our children, are counting on us for support, we must remember that we can’t pour from an empty cup. We must find ways to fill our own cups in spirit, heart, and mind so that we can be the shoulder on which our loved ones must lean. 

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Copyright 2025 Tammy Marino for Unbound
Images: copyright 2025 Unbound, all rights reserved.