ANSWER
Importance of
religion in caring for the elderly
- Religion is viewed as institutionally based, more structured,
and involving more traditional activities, rituals and
practices.
- The use of spirituality enables elderly to preserve
relationships, maintain hope and find meaning.
- Religion involves accountability and responsibility
- Help the elderly to use mmeasures such as attendance at
religious services, frequency of private religious practices and
internalized religious commitment
- Use of religious coping mechanisms include
- praying
-trusting in God
- turning problems over to God
- receiving support from the clergy
- Older people sees religion as the largest source of
social support outside of the family
Benefits of
religious benefits in elderly
- It help to improve physical and mental health
- Religious belief help to develop positive attitude about life
and illness
- It help for easy healing, because mind and body are
interconnceted
- It help to develop a sense of meaning and develop a purpose to
live
- Encourage health behaviors and social and family
relationships
- It help to cope with illness and disability
- Help to advocate behaviors that enhance health
- Those who have more religious activity tens to avoid substance
abuse
- Religion Improve social support networks and thus
will help to identify occurance of diseses among older adults and
help to comply with treatment regimens
- It also help the caregivers of old age people to cope with
stress
- Religion/religiosity offers comfort and well-being to the
elderly person, helping to overcome changes arising from the aging
process
- Helps avoid social isolation