Maintain health

      - Expand minds

      - Help build kingdom

      Despite reaching retirement age and entering the golden years, older members of the Church should continue to grow spiritually throughout their lives, Elder Robert L. Backman said Saturday morning.

      "There is no retirement from the service of the Lord. We believe in eternal progression. The gospel challenges us to endure to the end."

      Elder Backman, who was released Aug. 15 as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, was granted General Authority emeritus status at the Saturday afternoon session.

      Giving what President Gordon B. Hinckley called a "valedictory address," Elder Backman reflected on his past 14 years as a member of the Seventy.

      He said those years "have been the most challenging, rewarding, satisfying years of my life. I have enjoyed every choice experience I have had. I pray that my productive life is not over. I look ahead and wonder what to do with the rest of my days."

      In looking at the Savior's life between the age of 12 and when He began His ministry, Elder Backman said he wondered if the scripture, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52), doesn't have just as much application today, particularly for those who are retired.

      "In today's vernacular, these words translate into our Savior's growing physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. What a model to follow!" Elder Backman then talked about each of those areas:

      Growing physically

      "I believe we have a duty to maintain our health the best we can through proper exercise, a healthy diet, daily care of our bodies."

      Growing mentally

      "We need to keep expanding our minds, for they require exercise as surely as do the muscles of our bodies."

      Growing socially

      "Wherever we live, our fellow citizens are hungry for the wisdom and experience of those who have lived long and well. Without the volunteerism which can be given by the retired, our cities are in danger of dying."

      Growing spiritually

      "With the aging of our society, more and more of us are going to retire. We have been tried and tested throughout our lives. Society is not likely to experience any challenge we have not faced. We have learned what is important and what brings lasting happiness. Use our experience, our testimonies, our wisdom and our understanding. We can still assist in building the kingdom of God. I believe He needs all the help He can get."

      Elder Backman concluded: "I have rejoiced in the rich experiences of the past 14 years, but I look forward to new experiences, new adventures, new horizons, new worlds to conquer."