Aging and Spirituality: Spiritual Dimensions of Aging Theory, Research

Description

Explore the spiritual dimensions of aging through science, theory, and practice! During the later years of life, many people devote energy to a process of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. Yet their family, friends, clergy, and the helping professionals who work with them are not always prepared to understand or deal with the spiritual concerns of their clients. Aging and Spirituality... Read more

Explore the spiritual dimensions of aging through science, theory, and practice!

During the later years of life, many people devote energy to a process of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. Yet their family, friends, clergy, and the helping professionals who work with them are not always prepared to understand or deal with the spiritual concerns of their clients. Aging and Spirituality provides a unique, far-reaching overview of this long-neglected field.

Divided into four independent but interwoven sections, this landmark book covers the spiritual realm with scientific rigor and deep human understanding. Aging and Spirituality comprehensively surveys the issues of spirituality, from the groundwork of basic definitions to detailed assessments of the role spirituality plays in the lives of the elderly and suggested directions for further research. This book's unique approach combines scholarly research and practical nuts-and-bolts suggestions for service delivery. By drawing from many disciplines and professions, it offers fresh perspectives to even those practitioners already familiar with the most effective spiritual techniques their own field can offer.

Aging and Spirituality answers such common questions as:

What are the spiritual needs of people later in life?
Is there any solid evidence that prayer changes things?
How is spirituality related to physical and mental health?
Does spirituality matter when people know they are dying?
How can we measure spiritual wellness and assess the outcomes of activities intended to enhance it?
Will attention to spirituality aggravate or alleviate the losses--of friends, family, health, youth--that so often occur during old age?

Aging and Spirituality provides a much-needed resource for health care professionals, clergy, social workers, and counselors working with geriatric clients. By integrating spiritual issues into the theoretical framework of social gerontology, Aging and Spirituality will help you understand the scientific foundations, practical applications, and public policy implications of spirituality for older adults. Read less

About the Editor
Contributors
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Questions Answered
Who Should Read This Book?
The Authors
Conceptual and Theoretical Foundations
Chapter 1. The Reality and Centrality of Spirituality
The Spiritual Nature of Humanity
Spirituality and Aging in the Bible
Is Spirituality Just Another Word for Religion?
Perceptions of Spirituality and Religion
Resolving Definitional Confusion
Conclusions
Chapter 2. The Spiritual Role of the Elder in the Twenty-First Century
Past Roles for Elders
Loss of Value for the Role of Elder
Reclaiming the Role of Elder
Impact on Contemporary Society
Conclusion
Chapter 3. Spirituality in Gerontological Theories
Gerontological Theories
Spirituality and Religion in Gerontological Theory
Conclusions
Research and Spirituality
Chapter 4. Research on Spirituality
Why Is Research on Spirituality Important?
Casual Evaluations and Assessments
Research Findings
Conclusion
Chapter 5. Attitudes Toward Death and Dying Among Persons in the Fourth Quarter of Life
Attitudes Toward Death Throughout History
Definitions of Dying and Death
Attitudes Toward Dying and Death
Types of Spirituality Definitions
Interviews on Death, Dying, and Spirituality
Summary
Conclusion
Chapter 6. Do Spirituality and Religiosity Increase with Age?
Concepts of Spirituality
The Importance of Religion to Older Adults
Age Differences Among Women at a Lutheran Retreat
Does Spirituality Increase with Age?
Conclusions and Implications
Professional and Practical Applications
Chapter 7. Spiritual Care by Primary Healthcare Providers
The Meaning of Spirituality
Research on Spirituality and Health
Current Practice
Beliefs About Providing Spiritual Care
Spiritual Care Interventions
Curriculum and Spiritual Care
Future Concerns
Chapter 8. Spiritual Care in Hospice Settings
Understanding the Hospice Philosophy
Defining Spirituality and Spiritual Care
Providing Spiritual Care for Hospice Patients
A Poll on Spiritual Beliefs and Dying
Conclusions
Chapter 9. Integrating Spirituality in Counseling with Older Adults
Research Findings
Assessing Spirituality
Applying Spirituality to Practice
Conclusion
Chapter 10. Spirituality in Social Work Practice with Older Persons
Definition of Spiritual and Spirituality
The Importance of Spiritual Care by Social Workers
How Spiritual Care Is Delivered by Social Workers
Cautions to Observe When Spiritual Care Is Delivered by Social Workers
Conclusion
Suggested Readings
Chapter 11. Secular Franciscan Spirituality and Aging
The Secular Franciscan Order
Franciscan Spirituality
Franciscan Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Inspiration from St. Francis
Conclusion
Chapter 12. The Spiritual Life Review
The Life Review
Spiritual Needs in Late Life
The Spiritual Life Review
How to Prepare a Spiritual Life Review
Guidelines for Sharing Spiritual Life Reviews
Conclusion
Chapter 13. The Role of the Chaplain in Spiritual Care
Varieties of Chaplains
Resources for Chaplaincies
Ethical Issues
Elements of “Spiritual Care”: Assessment/Diagnosis
Practical Issues
Conclusions and Recommendations
Policy Implications and Priorities for the Future
Chapter 14. Toward Better Care: Connecting Spirituality to the Long Term Needs of Our Elders
White House Conferences on Aging
Historical Trends
Model Programs
Conclusion
Chapter 15. Guidelines for Research and Evaluation
Spirituality Measurement and Assessment Issues
Conclusions
Chapter 16. Continuing Challenges
The Babel of Spi

Author(s)

Biography

David O. Moberg

Aging and Spirituality Spiritual Dimensions of Aging Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy

Description

Table of Contents

Author(s)

Biography

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