Influence of Spirituality and Religious Practices on Health

-Research shows that elders that join religious services and pray have greater personal sense of worth. They are also more optimistic and feel more satisfied with life (Krause, 2003)

-Studies suggest that older people often pray to handle life and emotional problems.  In addition, praying gives the elder faith and a positive outlook in life. Older adults that report talking to God say that it helps sort out their thoughts and solve personal problems (Nelson-Becker, 2005)

- Research indicates that some elders view religion as a guide to relate with others. It also serves as a compass to build new relationships, help others, and follow society’s rules (Nelson-Becker, 2005).

Research shows that spirituality helps us realize why we exist. It also helps us define our purpose and significance, which give us strength and inspiration to keep living.

Tips that increase our spiritual wellness

-          Find meaningful  activities after retirement

-          Interact with others. Be altruistic.

-          Help family and friends (Williams,2008)

-Spiritual well-being provides harmony between the mind and body. Older adults that have a greater spiritual connection, cope better with conflicts, anger, and worries. They also continue doing things that they enjoy to do when they were younger (Pincharoen & Congdon,2003).

Effects of meaningful occupations on the person spiritual well-being  :

-Maintenance of physical and mental health

-Self improvement

-Self-worth

-Well-being (Pincharoen & Congdon,2003).

Krause, N. (2003). Religious Meaning and Subjective Well-Being in Late Life. Journal of Gerontology: Social Science, 58B, S160-S170

Pincharoen, S., & Congdon, J, G. (2003). Spirituality and health in older Thai persons in the United States  Western Journal of Nursing Research, 25, 93-108

Nelson-Becker, H. (2005).Religion and Coping in Older Adults: A Social Work Perspective. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. 45,51-67

Williams, B. J.(2008).An Exploratory Study of Older Adults' Perspective of spirituality’. Occupational Therapy In Health Care, 22,3-19

Beliefnet Inspiration. Spirituality. Faith. http://www.beliefnet.com/ 

• This web site is dedicated for people that are searching/exploring their own spiritual faith or different spiritual traditions.

Discovery Health Alternative Health Center     http://health.discovery.com/centers/althealth/spiritualheal/living.html

• The Alternative Health Center is a link from the Discovery Health channel where you can find readings, resources about books, specific information and advice about spirituality and well-being.

World Prayers    http://www.worldprayers.org/

•   This web site contains many prayers from different religions and spiritual faiths such as Buddhism, Celtic, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Taoism and many more.

Religious Tolerance

http://www.religioustolerance.org

• The Religious Tolerance web site contains education about different religions and spiritual practices.