Spirituality and faith can be a source of hope, inspiration and comfort for people of all ages. Some draw upon their spirituality to feel grounded, cope with personal challenges or find inner peace. Those with a religious affiliation may turn to their faith for these same reasons, as well as the sense of community and belonging religions typically offer.
For seniors, a belief in or connection to something more profound than the routine matters of everyday life can take on an even greater role.
Retirement sometimes creates a space in older adults’ lives that can leave them searching for a new sense of purpose or meaning. Others may be contending with the loss of a spouse or cherished friends, or they may be coming to terms with health issues, physical limitations or their own mortality.
Faith and spirituality can provide support in all of these instances. Most retirement communities recognize the importance of including spiritual activities for seniors in their programming. This is especially true of faith-based senior living communities, which usually offer worship services for residents of various faiths as well as spiritual activities for those who do not consider themselves religious.
Faith Tends to Be Highest Among Seniors
A set of international surveys suggests belief in God increases as people age, according to a report issued by the General Social Survey of NORC at the University of Chicago.
Tom Smith, who wrote the report, noted that the higher level of belief found in the oldest groups surveyed did not appear to be solely the result of the age cohorts but rather reflected people changing their beliefs over time. Smith said the increase in belief among older adults could be “in response to the increasing anticipation of mortality.”
Spiritual and Faith-Based Assisted Living Activities
For seniors who think of themselves as religious or spiritual, retirement communities offer a variety of opportunities to express and explore their beliefs while connecting with peers. For some, the chance to connect with other older adults matters as much as, if not more than, the activity itself.
Along with worship services, senior living communities that provide assisted living may offer activities through which residents can get in touch with their spirituality, such as:
- Yoga (including chair yoga)
- Instructor-led meditation sessions
- Mindfulness activities, which focus on being in the present
- Art classes
- Group discussions
- Prayer meetings and religious studies led by residents or spiritual advisers
Potential Health Benefits of Faith and Spirituality
Seniors who are socially isolated have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, depression and diabetes. They are also at increased risk for premature death.
Fortunately, simply being part of a group or community can prevent or dispel feelings of loneliness and isolation. Layering in participation in religious or spiritual activities may enhance the protective attributes of “belongingness.”
Regularly participating in religious activities can have a positive effect on seniors’ quality of life. Studies like this analysis by the Pew Research Center indicate that actively religious people tend to be happier and/or more optimistic in comparison with those who are not religious or not active in their religion.
Older adults often rely on their faith or spirituality when coping with a disability or illness. This can give them an additional source of strength and may help them recover more quickly when ill.
The Effect of Spirituality and Faith on Dementia
Research suggests that spirituality and religion may slow cognitive decline in older adults, though more studies are needed.
At the very least, engaging in spiritual or religious activities provides structure and routine for seniors living with cognitive impairment or dementia, including those with Alzheimer’s disease. Familiar activities and routines can be comforting, reducing anxiety and stress. Seniors with dementia typically view their regularly scheduled activities as something positive to look forward to, and they can lean on their faith to help them accept their circumstances.
Learn About Planned Activities at The Vered
The Vered will offer an assortment of spiritual activities for residents in our assisted living and memory care neighborhoods. To learn more about what we have planned and the services we’ll provide, you can schedule a one-on-one visit with a member of our team at the Discovery Center by calling 818.450.3120.
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