The impact of religion on the elderly

Public health emergency preparedness and response.

lab assignment two topics gerontology the impact of religion

The Impact of Religion among Elderly

Clear identification, description, and definition of the topic. Present relevant information such as: incidence, statistics, and demographical information.

"An analysis of Gallup polls between 1992 and 1999 shows that thirty-eight percent of Americans over fifty years of age attend church at least once a week and seventy percent in that age group rate religion as an important part of their lives (Ehmann, 1999). Jeffrey Levin, the premier writer in the field of religion, aging, and health points out that 50% of those over 65 attend church at least weekly" (Onken 1999). Research conducted by the Yale University School of Medicine indicates that religion can have a significant impact upon the health of the elderly: Americans over 65 who regularly attend religious services are more apt to engage in preventative self-care and are more likely to have positive social ties that promote better psychological and physical health (New research, 1997, Science Daily). Religion does not specifically 'heal' the elderly, but it does promote the creation of a healing environment.

Explain the bio-psychosocial aspects/factors or theories which impact your topic (discuss at least 2 aspects)

According to Erik Erikson, the central developmental conflict of the elderly is the conflict between integrity vs. despair (Harder 2005). Individuals search for a sense that their lives were meaningful. Religion can help give people a philosophical and emotional context in which to place their lives. There are also biological and sociological aspects that affect the perceptions of the aging person. Sickness can cause the elderly to feel depression, and retirement and the loss of friends and loved ones can also provoke depression. Religion can help the individual better understand 'why me' if he or she is afflicted with an illness, and religious communities can create a network of ties to sustain the elderly person even after adult children have moved away and loved ones and friends have passed away.

What are the specific needs of this particular elderly group on a micro, mezzo, and macro level?

On a micro, or individual/familial level, the elderly person must find a balance between independence and interdependence. Some elderly people may be resistant to seeking support for activities they once performed with ease, such as cooking a meal for themselves. On the other hand, children may be overly protective of parents who do not need intensive support. On a mezzo level, elderly individuals can benefit from retaining a sense of connection to the community and also engaging in personal development, either through travel or taking classes. On a macro, societal level, elderly persons deserve to have their skills and past knowledge respected, and for elderly persons who wish to continue to work, they should not be discriminated against, based upon their age.

What are the existing resources on a micro, mezzo, and macro level that address the needs of this particular group?

On a micro level, health professionals and counselors can help elderly individuals live in a manner that honors their independence in a realistic fashion. Religious leaders can play a role in helping families engage in difficult discussions about an elderly person's transition into a new phase of life. On a mezzo level religious groups provide the individual with a community and opportunities to volunteer. On a macro level, people must become more aware of the complex needs of the elderly that must be honored, including elderly person's right to decent healthcare and assisted living, and protection through anti-discrimination laws. Religious communities can act as advocates for the needs of the elderly on a social and legislative level as well as on a micro level.

What are the gaps in services on a micro, mezzo, and macro level?

Religious communities can fill in 'gaps' for the elderly on a micro and mezzo level by providing them with social activities and basic necessities such as meals. Deficits may exist for the elderly in terms of providing them with reasonable assisted living care and also venues in which they can still contribute to society, particularly for the elderly with compromised psychological and physical health. The can help address the psychological issues of depression, which is frequently undiagnosed in the elderly. Although these issues cannot specifically be treated by religious involvement alone, members of the community who know the elderly person well can act as advocates for the individual when other family members do not.