Cody Johnson Aging, Health, and Diverse Populations Paper #1 13 February 2011 Effect of Religion on Aging Well Aging

affects every one slightly different, but for the most part the changes in lifestyle apply to the majority going through their older years. Obviously, physical health deteriorates at different rates for different people, but the fact is that eventually every one will lose their health. The physical aspects of aging are often the first thoughts that come to mind when people think of growing older. The aches and pains, continuous doctor visits, and potential residency in a nursing home are all situations that may come to mind. On the other hand, mental health and social aspects of aging may be mistakenly overlooked. It can be argued how much mental health truly affects physical well-being, but it undoubtedly plays a role. It is this role that needs to be examined in more detail. Amidst declining health, satisfaction in one's social aspects of life and mental well-being can have an instrumental effect on one's quality of life. This is far from stating that having a good social life and healthy state of mind will increase longevity or affect physical health issues in any way, but to some individual's the quality of their remaining years of life are much more important than the quantity. People in America are busier than ever before. With this hectic lifestyle that so many lead, it is not surprising that most do not imagine life as it may be years down the road. It is truly difficult to imagine anything different from the present, but it's important that people take time to examine the effects of aging, as it is inevitable. Understanding the process of aging is vital to enjoying one's later years because the change in lifestyle is so dramatic. Considering the physical and mental issues and the dramatically different social network, one must be ready to cope with this major change. Practicing religion and spirituality are extremely effective methods to prepare

for aging, interact with others dealing with similar circumstances, and also to improve mental well being. If one is devoted to religion and spirituality it can ease the transition into the later years, as well as create a lifestyle that is socially and mentally satisfying. Just as was noted by Barkan and Greenwood, there is a very real positive relationship between faith and health (Barkan, & Greenwood, 2003). Everyone knows that one day they will likely either be forced or willingly go into retirement from their occupation. This is well known, but what is often overlooked, are the adjustments in lifestyles that accompany retirement and aging in general. When individuals are accustomed to a certain lifestyle or occupation for decades at a time, adjustment can be extremely difficult. Religious or spiritual practice prior to these larger changes can effectively ease the transition into this new stage of life. Ideally, spiritual practice would be among the normal activities throughout life, not only during the later years, but often this is simply not the case. As people age, it is not uncommon for individuals to fill that they will soon lose their purpose. Without work, the loss of loved ones, and potential losses in physical ability, it is easy to see why people can become depressed and discouraged. The lifestyle they are accustomed to, and that they made for themselves can seem to suddenly disappear. It is before these negative feelings ever come into the picture, that religious practice can produce great benefits for older individuals. When people age, it seems that they no longer have anything to look for to, and every day is in essence just another day. Religious practice can help relieve or even do away with this idea. It can provide individuals with the mental stimulation that they may have once received from their occupation. They can meet many new people and interact in ways that they have not experienced in many years. Not only will they meet and interact with these individuals, but it is likely they will have much in common with

them. When an individual is preparing for this tough transition into a new time in their lives, it will definitely bring confidence and comfort to speak with and be around others in the same or very similar circumstances. For these reasons and others, religion can greatly improve the transition to life as an older adult. If this practice begins prior to any significant changes in lifestyle, the transition can be very smooth, and people may even look forward to this new and different time. Religious practice can obviously have profound impacts on spiritual and mental health. One of the most often overlooked benefits of religious or spiritual practice may be the social aspect. When older individuals attend different types of religious services, practice their own spirituality or structured religion, or even participate in religious sponsored volunteer services or events they are likely to encounter great social and emotional support. As people age, it is common to interact with others far less frequently than in younger years. This is to be expected. There are many different variables that affect one's social interaction, but with regular religious practice and participation in any of the aforementioned events, people may regain much of the lost interaction, and possibly exceed what they were accustomed to prior to practicing religion. Developing relationships with people is important at all ages, and the elderly are no exception. If anything, more emphasis may need to placed in this area. People enjoy communicating with others, whether it is in casual conversation, serious talk, or even in discussion of spiritual matters. As one ages and this communication is likely to decrease, practicing religion provides older adults with the opportunity to achieve great amounts of social interaction. It gives them something to look forward to, instead of dwelling on the negatives associated with aging. Learning about others and developing new relationships is exciting for people of all ages. In the case of older individuals, it also serves the essential purpose of achieving new-found social

interaction. As we go through life, we spend a great deal of time in thought and in an aroused mental state. It may not be an area in which we realize we are spending a lot of our days, but regardless it is happening all the time. It is not until people begin to approach their later years of life that they actually consider the positive benefits of this idea. Mental stimulation throughout life provides numerous benefits. It offers time for self-reflection, as well as gives rise to many motivating concepts and ideas that drive us to continue on in our daily lives. Without thought about these different concepts, individuals may lose motivation in certain areas, leading to a potential decline in mental and physical health. For these reasons, spirituality or religious practice must be seriously considered for those individuals that are approaching their later years of life. It was determined, following a survey and subsequent analysis by Chandler and Meisenhelder, that faith has the most significant relationship with positive mental health (Chandler, & Meisenhelder, 2002). As one begins to contemplate the idea of aging and its associated losses, it becomes more obvious as to just how important spirituality could be, and the huge role it could play in healthy aging. Losses in physical function, of loved ones, and other cherished objects or activities are all inevitable circumstances associated with growing older. When these areas begin to fade, it becomes extremely important that individuals have different areas that receive their attention and arouse their mental capacity. Religion is a great practice that can help older individuals fill the voids of their losses, and also provide social interaction, mental stimulation, and even physical activity in some situations. In our reading of the article, Spiritual needs in health care, it stated that "spiritual care is not just the facilitation of an appropriate ritual, but engaging with an individual's search for existential meaning"

(Addington-Hall, Higginson, & Speck, 2004). Finding meaning in life is of the utmost importance for everyone, especially elderly individuals. As one ages and begins to lose the people, roles, and objects that were of great importance, they must be able to find reason for living and continuing to live. Finding interest in religion has the potential to lead to satisfaction in many areas. It can lead to meeting new people, assuming a new position or responsibility, and even physical activity from possible volunteer services. These are added benefits of practicing religion that can directly affect mental well-being. Religion brings these new opportunities that may stimulate older individuals mentally in a manner that is very similar to their experiences earlier in life, which ultimately increases the likelihood of aging well. This being said, this spiritual practice does not have to be structured religious practice. As was stated by Speck and colleagues, "spiritual belief may or may not be religious, but most religious people will be spiritual" (Addington-Hall, Higginson, & Speck, 2004). Spirituality, as it pertains to wellness, encompasses so much more than religion and differs from person to person. It is well known how much psychological feelings can influence outcomes in different situations. This same idea applies to older individuals in this situation. By placing importance in spirituality or religion, these individuals can greatly improve their mental health, which can undoubtedly increase their joy, happiness, physical health, and comfort in this new time in their life. Many individuals do not fully understand the unique benefits that practicing religion can have as one ages. As people get older, many parts of their life will likely change, but religion should be somewhere within this change. There seems to be a great failure to realize the importance of religion in older adults, and the potential benefits it may provide. As this seems to be the issue, the practice of religion or spirituality should be targeted towards our older

population. Currently, awareness of the great benefits of spirituality may be a rising, as noted by Culliford when he stated that, "spiritual values and skills are increasingly recognized as necessary aspects of clinical care, to be more openly discussed, and taught" (Culliford, 2002). This practice, whether structured or not, can be a great method for older individuals to thrive in their older years. It can help the elderly with the transition into retirement or other significant changes in later life, lead to important social interaction with people who otherwise may have not been known to them, and also stimulate mental arousal and well-being. These three issues are very severe and important to the all-around health and well-being of the older population. Something as simple as practicing religion has the potential to make a profound impact on a large number of older individuals, but it must be made known that this simple practice possesses this great potential.

Literature Cited Addington-Hall, J., Higginson, I., & Speck, P. (2004). Spiritual needs in health care. British Medical Journal, 329, 123-124. Barkan, S.E., & Greenwood, S.F. (2002). Spiritual needs in health care. British Medical Journal, 325, 1434-1435. Chandler, E.N., & Meisenhelder, J.B. (2002). Spirituality and health outcomes in the elderly. Journal of Religion and Health, 41(3), 243-252. Culliford, L. (2002). Spiritual needs in health care. British Medical Journal, 325, 1434-1435.