by Stephen Sapp,
page 1-2
by Jeffrey S Levin
page 3-31
This article presents the results of an NAI-funded systematic review of research on religion and aging published from 1980-1994 in mainstream gerontology and religion journals, including the Journal of Religious Gerontology. Findings are summarized from 73 empirical studies, a subset of the 115 articles included in NAI's bibliography on this topic. In general, these studies use multi-ethnic samples, include multiple religious dimensions, and focus on age comparative analyses and on analyses of religious effects on life satisfaction, health, and well-being. Also summarized is gerontological research on patterns, predictors, outcomes, and measures of religious involvement, and an agenda for future research is proposed.
by David C Baker and Paul D Nussbaum
page 33-51
Older adults at a church-related continuing care retirement community perceived themselves as being more spiritual in their later years and having a stronger emotional connection to their spirituality than when they were younger. Respondents were currently stable in their religious practice and spirituality, suggesting that changes occurred prior to the recent past, possibly around the time of retirement. This may uphold the notion that increased spirituality in the later years is a natural developmental phenomenon of the aging process. The association between religious copying and perceived health was noted, suggesting that religious coping may buffer perceived health from the negative impact of medical problems. The contribution to spirituality by physical environment and pastoral care was also noted.
by Jon C Stuckey
page 53-71
This article discusses a small group of women in rural Ohio who have transformed their Sunday school class into a community of friends that not only affords spiritual support but also sustains regular contact well into old age. A qualitative thematic approach was used to analyze the data. Church participation through the life course, common themes that emerged among the women interviewed, and a discussion regarding the role of churches in service as conduits of intergenerational contact and social support for the elderly are supported.
by Henry C Simmons
page 73-79
by 81-88
Transcribed by Angus Nicolson
5 February 1998