Can the benefits of spirituality boost the health and well-being of seniors, especially when their senior living community supports faith practices? According to International Psychogeriatrics, spirituality can absolutely improve quality of life. A faith-based practice like attending services or meditation can slow cognitive decline and reduce or stabilize cognitive disorders like dementia. Incorporating spirituality into their daily lives enables seniors to preserve relationships, maintain hope, and find joy and meaning.
Studies show that faith and spirituality are essential elements of many people’s lives, becoming even more significant with age. Spiritual seniors tend to regard their spiritual wellness and physical health as paramount. For those practicing a religion, a University of Chicago study found that as age increases, so does belief in God. This is even more notable for those 68 and older.
What is spiritual health and wellness?
Each individual’s spiritual journey is unique and deeply personal. For that reason, there is no universal standard for spirituality. It all comes down to what works for you. Here are examples of the many spiritual activities seniors can use to build their spiritual foundation.
- Prayer and prayer groups
- Attending services
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Yoga
- Reading spiritual and religious literature
- Taking time for self-reflection
- Thinking positively
- Volunteering
- Spending time with others
What are the benefits of spirituality?
It may surprise you to know that there are many rewards for spirituality.
Peace, comfort, prayer, and ritual
As humans, we have an innate desire for inner peace, comfort, prayer, and rituals. Spiritual practices and formal religions offer all of these to a certain degree.
Community
Another benefit of spirituality is the strong sense of community at the heart of most faith groups. From the beginning of human history, people have formed and strengthened their relationships through their spiritual beliefs and practices. These practices create feelings of community, from attending services and praying with friends, to group meditation and public service.
Social interaction
Faith-based communities are often important sources of social connection and interaction. This is significant at every age, but especially for seniors. The risk of becoming isolated is greater for those who do not live in a senior living community. Isolation can be caused by living alone, decreased mobility, loss of a loved one, or chronic illness. It is dangerous, both physically and mentally. Staying social not only reduces loneliness and depression but can reduce the risk of physical decline and disease.
Comforting social bonds
Social bonds can be particularly consoling and heartening during challenging times. Older adults often must cope with the loss of a spouse, partner, or loved one. Still others may be struggling with their own illness or mortality. Faith can provide a support system of caring for like-minded individuals during life’s harder times. This support system can help minimize distress and allow movement toward acceptance and resolution.
A sense of purpose
A healthy spiritual life can help create a purpose for older adults. Seniors often struggle with their identity after retirement. It can come with a loss of independence or a change in lifestyle. The community developed through a spiritual practice can help seniors find a new purpose and fulfillment in life.
Better cognitive health
A Cambridge University study concluded that spirituality contributes to slowing cognitive decline. In three independent articles, the study deduced that “participants who used their spirituality or religion more, through their faith, their practices, and in maintaining social interactions, their cognitive disorders tended to reduce or stabilize.” They saw that “spirituality or faith in daily life enabled people to develop coping strategies to help accept their disease, maintain their relationships, maintain hope, and find meaning in their lives, thereby improving their quality of life.”
Can spirituality benefit health?
For seniors, the many physical changes they experience with aging can sometimes feel overwhelming. According to the Mayo Clinic, seniors who practice spirituality live longer. In the 18 studies completed, they found that spiritual wellness contributes to less cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and lower blood pressure. In addition, those with a spiritual practice exercised more, ate better, smoked less, used their seat belts, and had preventive screenings.
The benefits of spirituality will be evident at Convivial St. Petersburg, coming soon to Florida. Members will be encouraged to find spiritual fulfillment the way they choose. Our full-time spiritual care team will ensure that all members’ spiritual needs are met, no matter their beliefs. Members can practice a variety of faiths, or not identify with a particular religion but consider themselves spiritual. Our community and spiritual care team will support and champion them all.
Learn more about a community that supports wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Contact us to schedule a personal appointment or call 941-220-5219.