The Final Lap: Navigating the Transitions of Later Life - John Wyatt

REVIEWER: Henry Whyte  

BOOK: The Final Lap: Navigating the Transitions of Later Life

(10Publishing, March 2023) Paperback, 80pp, RRP £6.99  

The 2021 Census revealed that 29% of those who identified as Christians were aged 65 and over. Another survey shows that 36% of regular attenders in C of E churches were aged 70 and more.

This book, therefore, has increasing relevance. John Wyatt is a doctor, author, speaker and research scientist. He writes perceptively about the last three stages of a normal life span, which he groups as from work to retirement, independence to dependence, and life to death.

The book is a short one and can be read within an hour. It is realistic, biblical and contains many nuggets of wisdom. In his chapter on the early years of retirement, John concentrates on what Christians can offer to others. His emphasis is on giving rather than receiving. Perhaps he might have said more about all many new things that can be learnt and received during these autumn years.

In his second main chapter, John writes movingly about how God’s power and glory are revealed in dependence and vulnerability. Jesus as a newborn was completely dependent on the care of his mother and others. The final chapter, about dying and death, explores what it means to die well.

This book is written for Christians, and we are encouraged to make the best of life in our later years, and right up to the moment of our death, if this is still possible. Sadly, for some Christians, the terrible disease that is dementia will mean they can no longer think or communicate coherently. Once again, this reviewer was left wanting more, but a book of this length has its limitations.

A short book can, however, have great strengths. Getting older is compulsory and there are many in the churches who are thinking more and more about how they will (or will continue to) navigate the final lap. So a sermon on the subject of each of the three main chapters could be very helpful. Ministers could also do well to have copies of this book to give or lend to others.

Reviewer: Rev Henry Whyte is an active retired vicar enjoying time with family, golf and writing. He is thankful for ongoing opportunities to preach and minister.