older people’s health issues
Religion and Spirituality in Older People
Benefits of Religion and Spirituality
People who are religious tend to have better physical and mental health than nonreligious people, and religious people may propose that God's intervention is the reason for these benefits. However, experts cannot determine whether participation in organized religion contributes to health or whether psychologically or physically healthier people are attracted to religious groups. If religion is helpful, the reason—whether it is the religious beliefs themselves or other factors—is not clear. Many such factors (for example, mental health benefits, encouragement of healthful practices, and social support) have been proposed. Religion may provide the following mental health benefits: A positive and hopeful attitude about life and illness, which tends to lead to better health outcomes A sense of meaning and purpose in life, which affects health behaviors and social and family relationships A greater ability to cope with illness and disability Many older people report that religion is the most important factor enabling them to cope with physical health problems and life stresses (such as decreasing financial resources or loss of a spouse or partner). For example, having a hopeful, positive attitude about the future helps people with physical problems remain motivated to recover. Some studies have found that older people who are very religious and use religious coping mechanisms are less likely to develop depression and anxiety and have a greater sense of psychologic well-being than those who do not. Even the perception of disability appears to be altered by the degree of religiousness. One study of older women with hip fractures found that the most religious had the lowest rates of depression and were able to walk significantly further when discharged from the hospital than those who were less religious. People who are actively involved in a religious community tend to maintain physical functioning and health better than those who are not. Some religious groups (such as Mormons and Seventh-Day Adventists) advocate behaviors that enhance health, such as avoidance of tobacco and heavy alcohol use. Members of these groups are less likely to develop substance-related disorders, and they live longer than the general population. Religious beliefs and practices often foster the development of community and broad social support networks. Increased social contact for older people increases the likelihood that disease will be detected early and that older people will adhere to treatment regimens because members of their community interact with them and ask them questions about their health and medical care. Older people who have such community networks are less likely to Self-Neglect in Older People . Religious faith also benefits caregivers. In many studies, religious coping mechanisms resulted in better mental health for caregivers of older adults with dementia, cancer, or other serious and/or terminal conditions. 