Spiritual practices are critical to the lives of many people us, often helping to guide how we
act and how we react to the changes and challenges of life. Spirituality can provide a sense of
purpose and a moral code. It can create a goal for us to model our lives around for all our
daily decisions.
As we age, spiritual wellness tends to become more of a focus for many of us. perhaps it is
because we often feel more alone or because we are able to form a healthier respect for our
morality, leading us to ponder why we are here or the reason of our existence, that our
purpose is, and how we can live our best life.
A person’s spiritual journey, is often more personal and private. A spiritual person may or
may not believe in a higher power. They might not assemble or share widespread beliefs with
others. Spirituality is more of an internalized, personal set of beliefs.
DEFINING SPIRITUAL WELLNESS FOR SENIORS
Our journey to spiritual wellness as we age involves a search for a growing number of
answers to questions that get to the core of our very existence. This questioning is a normal
part of the aging process. Examining our personal beliefs as we contemplate these questions
helps us feel at peace with our place in the world, which in turn can lead to greater spiritual,
mental and even physical wellness.
Some of these fundamental questions include:
Why are we here?
What is our purpose in life?
What happens after we die?
Can we transcend the material world?
How should we live our lives?
What matters most?
Is each of us alone, or are we all connected?
SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY
As seniors ponder these and other questions, it is common for them to begin to think and act
in different ways. For example, some may:
Become more focused on their inner lives
Seek out more time for silence and solitude
Censor their true thoughts and feelings less
Find themselves feeling more patience and attentive
Put a greater emphasis on creating more meaningful personal connections
Live more in the moment
BENEFITS OF SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
There are a number of positive internal benefits of spirituality as we age, including:
Improved social and family relationships
Increased coping skills for life’s challenges
Greater sense of community
Less likelihood of becoming socially isolated
Spiritual practices also tend to provide a number of physical health benefits. One study by
Merck, which summarized additional studies about religion, spirituality and the elderly,
indicated that “There is growing evidence that religious or spiritual practices may be
associated with better physical health and greater longevity as well as better mental health
and greater social support.”Additional studies by the Mayo Clinic and the American Medical
Association seem to indicate that spiritual people live longer and have less cardiovascular
disease, lower blood pressure and fewer hospitalizations. Other health benefits of increased
spiritual wellness:
Fights stress
Relieves symptoms of depression
Strengthens social connections
SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS
The journey to spiritual wellness is as varied as we are as individuals. Many people simply
spend some time practicing their breathing to help center their thoughts and calm their mind.
Others practice gratitude or even wonder — seeing life through new eyes and being grateful
for every experience and opportunity life affords them. Still others practice kindness or
creativity. The end destination, no matter what journey you take to get there, is greater inner
peace.
Spirituality improves relationships for children
1. Personal Spiritual Milestones
What are some of the significant spiritual experiences or milestones in your life? You may
have been involved in some of these.
attending church for the first time
celebrating Jesus' birth (Christmas) and resurrection (Easter) with church friends
learning various Bible elements (names of the books, disciple's names, Paul's
missionary journeys)
becoming aware of and discussing your spiritual condition
making a personal, individual decision to commit your life to Jesus Christ as your
Savior and Lord
obeying Jesus' instruction by following Him in baptism
beginning your faith walk by studying God's Word
becoming involved in a discipleship group that studies and holds one another
accountable
learning how to share your faith
giving testimony of God's work in your life
forming a family through marriage and committing to live according to God's
guidelines
talking about Jesus with your own child