“RESEARCH FINDINGS ON OLDER ADULTS AND RELIGION

• Religion and associated activities are common among older adults (9 of 10 older adults rate religion important in their lives)

• There is a positive relationship between religion and physical health

• Most older persons report that religion helps them cope or adapt with losses or difficulties

• African American Black women are more religious than African American Black men and all Caucasians

• While other sources of well being decline, religion may become more important over time

• At the time when religious support is most needed ,older persons are less able to access it (due to failing health, immobility or lack of transportation)

• 40-60% of congregations are composed of retired persons

• The church has the greatest potential for reaching older adults with needed services

• People do not necessarily become more religious as they age. 


Because many of the present cohort of elderly were religious in their youth, a large percentage of them will retain their religious interest. Others will not; hence it is important to remember that elders — as with the members of other populations — are independent in their thoughts and actions. 
                   (Ebersole & Hess, 1998)

Older adults may turn to spirituality and religion when they meet difficult life changing events and experience personal losses. Their reaction to these events and losses may cause distress, temporary or chronic psychological conditions. Mental health interventions may include or add to one’s faith or practice of spirituality in times of difficulty. Coping patterns and skills develop over a lifetime.”