Asking for help can be difficult, no matter who you are or what age you're at. But as humans, we're not designed for a solitary existence. In fact, the Bible is pretty clear that we need each other, that we are built for fellowship and that God purposefully gives us things we can't handle on our own so that we will turn to him. Making peace with the need for help as you age — and understanding the freedom that can come in turning to God and other people for assistance — can help you enjoy your retirement so much more.
Asking for assistance may not be as difficult for you as it is for someone else, or vice versa. That's because some of the difficulty in requesting help comes from personality and background. If you're extremely shy or introverted, for example, simply reaching out to someone new may seem too difficult. And if you've been hurt in the past, asking for help may feel like making yourself vulnerable to hurt again.
For some, it's simply a matter of pride. If you never needed help with something before, why should you have to ask for it now?
Understanding how asking for help can significantly improve your life can help you overcome many of these obstacles.
The first benefit of asking for assistance is practical. You get something accomplished that you were unable to do alone or which would have been harder or taken longer for you to do. That frees your time and mind up for other, potentially more enjoyable endeavors.
A second major benefit of asking for help is the blessing you may be offering the other person. It's tempting to think that this is a one-sided interaction, and while you probably don't want to go around demanding people constantly do things for you, genuinely asking for needed assistance allows the other person to do something kind for you. That can have positive mental, emotional and even physical benefits for them.
A third benefit is that when you open yourself to working with loved ones and friends to get something accomplished with their help, you create a situation for increased bonding. That can help you develop closer relationships with those around you.
