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Religion, Aging, and Health: Historical Perspectives, Current Trends, and Future Directions

ABSTRACT This paper summarizes the history of gerontological research on religion and health. Through the 1970s, work was sporadic, neither programmatic nor theory-driven. In the 1980s, gerontologists began exploring religion more systematically. The 1990s brought institutional recognition and support, including from the NIH. Since 2000, religious research has become integrated into the mainstream of gerontology. Findings implicate religious constructs as determinants of numerous psychosocial, health, and well-being outcomes, and theories have been proposed for these effects in older adults and throughout the life course. Recent emphasis on longitudinal research, sophisticated methodologies, and creative assessment of religiousness point to exciting research frontiers.