Ageing Gracefully, Finishing Well – Onsite Evening Course

Posted by jonathan on Monday, April 13, 2026 · Leave a Comment

Older Adults, Caregivers & Ministers: For Christians who want to age gracefully and finish well, do they know what it takes and how can they do so?

Ageing Gracefully, Finishing Well (Onsite)
EF534, 3 Credits
Thursdays, 7.00pm – 9.30 pm

The desire to finish well or finish strong and age gracefully is something most older adults long for. But, do we know what it takes and how we can do so? This relevant and pertinent course will give the core biblical principles and sound psychological insights to ensure that we live our lives to the fullest (amid the challenges), live a life of integrity (instead of despair) and leave a legacy of faith, love and hope.

Danny Goh, PhD, an EAST adjunct faculty, is a familiar face in the local and pastoral scene having been in full-time vocational ministry for over 40 years. Having retired from full-time vocational ministry, he now has a freelance ministry of counselling, mentoring, teaching, and training. After receiving his theological degree, Danny chose to specialize in marriage and family, obtaining an MA and PhD (School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA). He is married to Nancy for over 40 years, and they have two adult (married) daughters, a grandson and a grand ‘fur-kid’ (dog!). He enjoys reading and travels, art and nature, meeting people and exercising.

Registration deadline: Monday, 13 July 2026

To register, email Registrar@east.edu.sg with your full name, birthdate, email, and state “Audit student” (fees: $285) or “Credit student” (fees: $585). Pay all fees through Donorbox.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course will cover many aspects of ageing gracefully and finishing well. They include the many questions on the challenges and issues, blessings and benefits of ageing, work and retirement (how to reframe these and find one’s later-life calling). It deals with the physical frailties and health issues (dementia, illness, suffering) as well as the psycho-emotional (loneliness, depression) and relational challenges (with adult children and grandchildren, friendships). It also sees ageing as a “spiritual journey” of contemplation and character formation. As one “nears home” there is also the need to face death and bereavement, of “dying well” and with dignity, and to think about and embrace the hope of eternity. Other practical aspects of leaving a multifaceted legacy, of self-care and caregiving, and starting (and sustaining) a Seniors’ ministry will be dealt with.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is suitable for older adults from the ages of 50 and above. It is especially designed for adults who are involved in caring for Seniors and engaged in a Seniors’ ministry in the church or in society. Pastors and leaders involved in pastoral care and counseling, social workers, family therapists, psychologists and counsellors will also benefit from this course.

COURSE SCHEDULE & READINGS

13 sessions, every Thu, 7.00-9.30 pm, 20 Jul – 20 Nov 2026 at 118 Joo Chiat Road, S 427407.

CLASS	DATE	TOPIC	READINGS
1	23 Jul	The Ageing Church & Society, Roles of Seniors; Biblical & Historical Themes on Ageing	Houston & Parker, Chaps 1-3; Houston & Parker, Chaps 4-9
2	30 Jul	Challenges & Issues, Blessings & Benefits, Myths & Realities of Ageing	Houston & Parker, Chap 11
3	6 Aug	(Late Life) Calling and Retirement	Stevens, Chaps 1-3
4	13 Aug	Ageing as a Spiritual Journey	Stevens, Chaps 4-6
5	20 Aug	Physical & Health Issues in Ageing (I): Suffering & Chronic/Terminal Illnesses	Houston & Parker, Chaps 15-16
6	27 Aug	Physical & Health Issues in Ageing (II): Dementia & Alzheimer	Houston & Parker, Chaps 15-16
7	3 Sep	Ageing & Mental Health & Psychological Issues (I): Loss & Loneliness, Regrets & Shame
	10 & 17 Sep	No Classes; Semester Break
8	24 Sep	Ageing & Mental Health & Psychological Issues (II): Anxiety, Fears & Depression	Houston & Parker, Chap 15
9	1 Oct	Ageing & Relationships (Family & Friends)
10	8 Oct	Leaving a Multifaceted Legacy, Doing a Life Review & Life Preview	Stevens, Chap 7 & 8
11	15 Oct	Facing Death & Bereavement (End of Life Matters), Eternity, Heaven & Hope	Houston & Parker, Chap 20; Stevens, Chap 9
12	22 Oct	Caregiving & Caregivers’ Wellbeing	Houston & Parker, Chap 12
13	29 Oct	Seniors’ Ministry in the Church & Outreach in Society