This document discusses spirituality and its impact on quality of life for older adults. It defines spirituality as the search for meaning and purpose in life, distinct from but not excluding religion. Key aspects of spirituality for older adults include reflecting on life, relationships and legacy. Spiritual care focuses on sources of hope, personal beliefs/practices, and effects of illness. Challenges to care include providers' awareness of their own spirituality and respecting patient differences. Overall it explores how addressing existential questions can help older adults cope with life changes.
1. The Gift of Years; the impact of
spirituality on the quality of life in
older adults
General Assembly of the Multidisciplinary Council
Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Center
Feb 1, 2012
- Philip Joudrey, DMin
2.
3. Definitions and Distinctions
Spirituality: the search for meaning, identity and
purpose or mission in life
or the search for the meaning of life and a reason
for being
Spirituality does not exclude religious reference
and reality but this is neither an essential
element nor its point of departure.
4. Who am I?
Who do I love?
Who loves me?
Who has loved me in the past?
What difference has my life made?
What am I proudest of / happiest about ?
Why did I do some of the things that have caused me and
others harm….and what does it mean that I am capable of
causing such harm?
Why is this …..pain…suffering…dying…happening to me
now?
What does it mean that in a short time I shall be no more?
5. Definitions and Distinctions
Religion:
The expression of a person’s beliefs through the practice
of rites and rituals, the use of symbols, the reverence of
sacred places, books and objects.
It involves affiliation with a specific community that has
its own recognized leaders.
Spiritual care is not necessarily religious, but religious
care at its best should always be spiritual.
6. meaning sought through . . .
relationships
service or commitment and contribution to
something outside of one’s self
religious belief and practice
7. Specific to older adults…
Necessity of change of focus in the second half of
life
Identifying that which gives life meaning as central
to capacity to cope with changing realities of life
and health
Shifts:
Reflection as opposed to accomplishment
Quality vs quantity
Being rather than doing
10. Sometimes I picture myself like a
candle.
I used to be a candle about eight feet
tall - burning bright.
Now every day I lose a little bit of me.
Someday the candle will be
Very small.
But the flame will be
Just as bright
Barbara Noon in Elizabeth MacKinley, (2003)
“Aging and Spirituality across Faiths and Cultures”
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, 2010 p. 21
11. H.O.P.E. model of spiritual
history taking*
H Sources of Hope, meaning comfort, strength,
peace, love and connection
O Organized Religion - does this feature, and
what aspects are helpful
P Personal spiritual beliefs and practices that are
independent of organized religion
E Effects of medical care, or how illness has
affected spiritual practices
* adapted from Anandarajah and Hight 2001
12.
13. Challenges to our care
The degree to which we have become aware of or
own spiritual (and religious) history. The level to
which we are prepared to embrace our own search
for meaning.
Our capacity to tolerate and respect difference
The priority and resources that spirituality has on
our organizations agenda
14.
15. What in the story of their spiritual process might
you be missing hearing? What do you still need to
understand and support?
What in your personal journey might help you with
this? What in your journey might be getting in the
way?
16. References and suggested reading:
Anandarajah, G. and Hight , E. (2001) “Spirituality and medical practice; Using the
HOPE questions as a practical tool for spiritual assessment” American Family Physician
63, 1, 81-88.
Chittister, Joan. (2008) The Gift of Years; Growing Older Gracefully. Ottawa:
Novalis.
Clements, William and Koenig, H. G. (1994) Aging and God; Spiritual Pathways to
Mental Health in Middle and Later Years. Oxford: Routledge Press.
Jewell, Albert (ed) (2011) Spirituality and Personhood in Dementia. London: Jessica
Kingsley Publishers.
Kimble, Melvin A, (ed) (2000) Victor Frankl’s Contribution to Spirituality and Aging.
Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Pastoral Press
Mackinley, Elizabeth (ed) (2000). Aging and Spirituality across Faiths and Cultures.
London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Pargament, Kenneth I. (2007) Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy; Understanding
and Address the Sacred. New York: Guilford Press.
17. Film Clips:
Fried Green Tomatoes. Directed by Jon Avnet.
Hollywood CA: Universal Pictures, 1991. DVD
The Notebook. Directed by Nick Cassavetes.
Hollywood, CA: New Line Cinema, 2004. DVD
