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Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change

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A special issue of Religions (ISSN 2077-1444). This special issue belongs to the section "Religions and Health/Psychology/Social Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 35004

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jane Kuepfer

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Guest Editor

1. Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G6, Canada
2. Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G6, Canada
Interests: Spirituality & Aging; spiritual care in residential care; spiritual resources; baby boomers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The population in much of the world is aging, as improvements in health care have lengthened life. At the same time, shifts in religiosity over the last century have altered our mechanisms for finding meaning in life. As older adults live into the 2020s and beyond, questions about meaning grow in significance.

This Special Issue will focus on the importance of spirituality and spiritual care for long life, exploring

sources of inner strength and resilience in later life;
the role of community/belonging/trust; and
what the intersections of spirituality and aging teach us (older adults and younger adults) about being more fully human—in our vulnerability, compassion, mortality …

especially in the context of the global pandemic/isolation and loneliness, and in the context of residential care and/or dementia.

This Special Issue of Religions will be of interest within many disciplines, from religious studies and theology to psychology, sociology, and the humanities, as well as the clinical world of pastoral care, chaplaincy, nursing, palliative care, social work, spiritual direction, spiritually integrated psychotherapy, etc. In this Special Issue, we will hear from those who research and study spirituality and aging, but also from practitioners. It will encourage and inspire those who live and work with older adults, in faith communities, in residential care, and all of us as we grow older ourselves. It will also help policy-makers better understand the essential nature of spiritual care in later life.

This Special Issue will make the readership of Religions aware of the multidisciplinary conversations within spirituality and aging. It will also help those in residential care provision and gerontology to better understand the integral role of spirituality in later life.

Papers published will include, but are not restricted to:

providing appropriate and accessible spiritual care in residential care;
finding meaning in late life—why am I still here?
the role of older adults in faith communities—perceptions and practices in world religions;
the experience of growing older, and what spirituality has to do with it;
the role of change in later life, including the experience of dementia;
toward the end—letting go of life in a medicalized world—dying with meaning; and
the balance of medical and spiritual care at the end of life.

Prof. Dr. Jane Kuepfer
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

spirituality and aging
older adults
spiritual care
residential care
dementia
meaning

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inspiring Intergenerational Relationships: Aging and the New Testament from One Historian’s Perspective

by Mona Tokarek LaFosse

Religions 2022, 13(7), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13070628 - 7 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1833

Abstract

The Christian New Testament contains surprisingly few references to age and aging, and what readers do encounter is usually read through the lens of their own experiences and assumptions about age. In this article, I approach the New Testament from my vantage point as a historian of early Christianity to glean meaning relevant for aging and intergenerational relationships today by engaging a contextual approach to the reader and the text. I begin with a sketch of the diversity of attitudes and approaches among people who may have interest in finding meaning in the Bible as they age and among caregivers who want to nurture meaning as they care for older family members or clients. I then consider older age in the New Testament, noting that we find relatively few older individuals or inspiration for aging in the texts of the New Testament. However, focusing on one text in particular (1 Timothy) through a lens of storytelling, I argue that a historically and culturally sensitive reading of the biblical text in its own context opens new possibilities for finding meaning related to aging. Namely, I reflect on the value of three relational aspects of intergenerational interaction that may inspire such relationships today: (1) the power and wisdom of storytelling, (2) the importance of fictive kin, namely surrogate grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren and (3) the value of legacy, which includes instilling and transmitting inherited traditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

12 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“If There Isn’t Love, It Isn’t Home”: An Exploration of Relationship Qualities and the Meaning of Home for Residents in Aged Care

by Sally Louise Mordike

Religions 2022, 13(7), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13070604 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1626

Abstract

Exploring the meaning of home is essential for the quality of life and well-being of older people in residential aged care. ‘Home’ is a spiritual concept that is deeply personal and important for older people. Using a qualitative, phenomenologically-based methodology, the meaning of home for ten older people living in residential aged care in Australia was examined using in-depth interviews to draw out the depth of meaning around the home. A key finding of the study showed that ‘home’ means connection through meaningful relationships and meaningful connection to place. The current paper focuses on meaningful relationships required for an older person to feel ‘at home’ in residential aged care. Drawing on residents’ personal narratives, fresh insights are provided into essential relationship qualities, and suggestions are made on how quality relationships can be facilitated and maintained, both for and by residents, to increase a sense of homeliness in residential aged care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

14 pages, 244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supporting Spirits in Changing Circumstances: Pandemic Lessons for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes

by Jane Kuepfer

Religions 2022, 13(7), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13070584 - 23 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1804

Abstract

The pandemic of 2020–2022 brought both disruption to, and increased need for, spiritual care in long-term care and retirement homes. This paper reports and reflects upon the experiences of spiritual care providers (SCPs) in these settings in Ontario, Canada as they each endeavored to adapt to their circumstances. Qualitative data were gathered from 27 participants through a variety of means, including natural focus group opportunities, email responses to questions, and in-depth virtual interviews. This study learned that during the pandemic, SCPs creatively adapted the care they provide, while finding it challenging to meet needs for touch, community, mental health care, and processing grief. SCPs spoke with confidence about their role as a listening and supportive presence, for team and family reassurance, as well as for residents. Opportunities to personalize spiritual care using technology, and the value of small, intimate gatherings were realized, along with the value of employing an in-house SCP who truly gets to know residents and can continue to creatively adapt to meet changing needs in changing circumstances. Recommendations are made for spiritual care provision that is resilient through outbreak restrictions into the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

10 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Buddhist Biography Project: Story-Telling, Spiritual Connection, and Intergenerational Exchange

by Catherine Dhavernas and Carmel Williams

Religions 2022, 13(7), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13070576 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1559

Abstract

This descriptive article discusses the development, delivery, and impact of the “Biography Project”. The project is a research and teaching initiative focused on both enhancing the quality of life of older persons, and providing university students across diverse degree programs the opportunity to learn about and engage first-hand with the challenges that confront older adults living in residential aged care. In accounting for the project and its objectives, the article explores the Buddhist values that underpin the project’s approach to teaching, and the important role of spirituality in training students to engage older people in telling the stories of their lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

15 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recapturing the Oral Tradition of Storytelling in Spiritual Conversations with Older Adults: An Afro-Indigenous Approach

by Florence Akumu Juma

Religions 2022, 13(6), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13060563 - 17 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3558

Abstract

The historical value of the oral tradition permeates literature as represented in multiple disciplines, including theology. An aspect of this tradition has proven viable in spiritual conversations with older adults. This paper will discuss the oral tradition’s medium of storytelling and listening to demonstrate its relevance in therapeutic conversations with older adults. Therapeutic storytelling is a distinct intervention prevalent in the African oral tradition This approach is also gaining attention in the contemporary context, blending seamlessly within the narrative approach. Using the quantitative research method of ethnography and autoethnography, I analyze specific therapeutic encounters that employ a storytelling/listening approach in spiritual conversations. The analysis reveals the relevance of storytelling in specific therapeutic encounters. Storytelling is gaining interest and reclaiming space in therapeutic settings with diverse populations, but mostly with older adults. The study also highlights the apparent similarities between the traditional approach to storytelling and the narrative approach in the contemporary therapeutic milieu. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

29 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Does Joy in Living Mean to Elderly Residents of Nursing Homes in Singapore?

by Swapna Dayanandan and Kalyani Mehta

Religions 2022, 13(5), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13050469 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4464

Abstract

The rapid ageing of Singapore’s population has led to the phenomenon of more elderly spending more total years in nursing homes. This study aimed to explore the meaning of Joy in Living to elderly residents of nursing homes in Singapore, the enabling and disenabling conditions to Joy in Living in nursing homes and how Person-centered Care can support Joy in Living in nursing homes. The concept of Joy in Living is used in this study as it is unique to an individual elderly’s experience; The study employed hermeneutical phenomenological research methodology to allow for the exploration of Joy in Living in lived experiences of elderly residents through in-depth sixteen semi-structured interviews with elderly residents and six participant observations of three nursing homes (pre and post interviews) between July 2021 and November 2021; Seven themes for Joy in Living experiences to flourish were identified, including “supportive nursing home environment and practices”, “connectedness through meaningful relationships”, “meaningful daily living”, “fulfil the need for spiritual care”, “personal control”, “desire to be free from worries”, and “adapting to changes”, each of which explains a facet of Joy in Living experiences of the elderly residing in nursing homes. These themes include the enabling and disenabling conditions to Joy in Living in nursing homes; Focusing efforts and resources on enabling the seven themes, including fulfilling the need for spiritual care will allow Joy in Living experiences of elderly to flourish in nursing homes. This in turn promotes better psychosocial well-being of the elderly and better living environments where nursing home residents may enjoy satisfactory accommodation while spending their remaining years in joy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

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13 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Narrative of Spirituality and Ageing: Reflections on the Ageing Journey and the Spiritual Dimension

by Elizabeth MacKinlay

Religions 2022, 13(5), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13050463 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4533

Abstract

Religion, in the context of healing and health, has a long history reaching back through the millennia influencing, and being influenced by cultures and societies. More recently, spirituality has become more widely recognised as a real component of healthcare. This article presents a brief reflection of the development of knowledge and practices in spirituality and ageing from an historical perspective, before considering more recent developments in these fields. Connections between understandings of religion and spirituality are considered, and especially in Western societal contexts, touching on the growing secularization of Western societies in general, and on the rise of spirituality within societies. The focus of the article, then moves to discussion of how different disciplines within health, ageing, and theology see spirituality and religion finally moves to a consideration of ways forward in research to inform theory and practice in the fields of spirituality and ageing. Understanding the context of narrative, personal and communal, and its place in making sense of being human and being in community, is woven throughout the article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

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13 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Assistive Technology Ethics for Aging Adults: Spiritual Impacts as a Necessary Consideration

by Tracy J. Trothen

Religions 2022, 13(5), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13050452 - 17 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2620

Abstract

Potential spiritual impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven Assistive Technologies (AT) for older adults are absent in most ethics conversations. Intelligent Assistive Technology (IAT) is the term used to describe the spectrum of Assistive Technologies that use AI. In this theoretical essay, I begin by introducing examples of AT and IAT for older adults with age-related disabilities. I argue that spirituality is a marginalized value in ethics that must be considered if IAT ethics is to address the whole person. Some of the potential spiritual impacts of IATs will be suggested through engagement with three core spiritual needs. I ask how IAT might impact these three core spiritual needs. This is not meant to be an exhaustive study of the spiritual impacts of AT. Through the engagement of one approach to spiritual needs, this article proposes that IAT ethics issues intersect with the spiritual needs of aging adults and, therefore, that potential spiritual impacts ought to be addressed as part of IAT ethics for older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

Review

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15 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pandemic Disruptions of Older Adults’ Meaningful Connections: Linking Spirituality and Religion to Suffering and Resilience

by Susan H. McFadden

Religions 2022, 13(7), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13070622 - 6 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2340

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of persons of all ages throughout the world. Older adults have been particularly susceptible to the virus and have died at higher rates than any other age group. Starting from the early days of the pandemic, gerontologists rallied to address a wide variety of issues affecting older people’s lives. This paper reviews gerontological research that began shortly after the pandemic was declared and examines how a model of meaningful connectedness undergirding spiritual and religious experiences sheds light on the suffering and the resilience of older people during the pandemic. It notes that despite over four decades of research on the role of religion and spirituality in older people’s lives, there has been little mention in major gerontology journals of the role of elders’ religiousness and spirituality in their responses to the pandemic. The paper concludes with a call for gerontologists to pay closer attention to elder religiousness and spirituality and the many questions that need to be addressed regarding older people’s experiences during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

17 pages, 515 KiB

Open AccessReview

Equipping Families and Friends to Offer Spiritual Care to People Living with Dementia: Findings from a Meta-Synthesis

by Darrell Jackson, René Erwich, Eleanor Flynn and Titus S. Olorunnisola

Religions 2022, 13(5), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13050462 - 19 May 2022

Viewed by 2688

Abstract

Our work presents a meta-synthesis of 76 peer-reviewed, qualitative-research journal articles related to our research interest in the spiritual care training available for relatives and friends of people living with dementia. A total of 244 articles was reviewed prior to the application of selection criteria. The final sample of 2698 research participants across our selection of 76 peer-reviewed qualitative-research studies serves to demonstrate the value of spiritual care as an aspect of holistic palliative and dementia care. The development and implementation of spiritual-care standards and practices in healthcare generally is increasingly widespread. Most current training resources are designed for healthcare professionals, and our meta-synthesis identifies the need for training resources that equip and train volunteer spiritual carers, namely, the relatives and friends of people living with dementia. Our meta-synthesis suggests there is a need to develop training resources that equip relatives and friends with skills that prioritise attentive presence, spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence, and, primarily, sensory spiritual practices. Beyond this meta-synthesis, developing and trialling suitable training materials and events will become the focus of an action research project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

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16 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessEssay

Learning from Elders about Autonomy, Meaningfulness, and Relationships

by Andrew Stumpf, Erin McKenzie and Vivian Nguyen

Religions 2022, 13(8), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13080750 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2360

Abstract

In this essay, we appeal to conceptual and empirical research to establish that autonomy and meaningfulness, when understood concretely and realistically, remain possible for frail and dependent elders. Contrary to ageist cultural attitudes, relationships render frailty and dependence compatible with the exercise of autonomous agency and with a life of meaning. This conclusion is important not only for the goal of supporting frail elders but also for developing a realistic understanding of the way relationships and spirituality are required for autonomy and meaning in the life of any human person, regardless of what state of dependence or independence they may be in. Each of us develops and continues to exist in radical dependence on others. Seeing the way autonomy and meaning manifest in the context of frailty and dependence thus helps us better appreciate what these crucial aspects of being human mean for all of us. In other words, we can learn important lessons about autonomy, meaningfulness, and relationship from the experience of our elders, and in particular from those who experience significant frailty and dependence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

8 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessEssay

A Graduated Approach to Spiritual Intervention in Health and Long-Term Care

by Mary Ann McColl

Religions 2022, 13(8), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13080743 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2337

Abstract

Most professionals in health and long-term care know the importance of spirituality for well-being among older people; however, they are challenged to know how to approach the topic or what to do to enable the power of spirituality in their setting. This paper is based on an extensive search and content analysis of literature in the health and social sciences, and offers a step-wise approach to engaging with older adults on spiritual issues. The content analysis identified five levels of intervention. The first two levels require no special training (listening and acknowledging, referring). The next three levels—asking about spirituality, indirect, and direct interventions—each depend on a greater degree of preparation and expertise. All the levels offer the possibility of spiritual expression for clients/residents, and the opportunity for health and social service professionals to respond to these important issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change)

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