The Value of Religion, Spirituality, and Humanism to Older People

Abstract

The sustaining bottom note of religion, spiritual and humanistic beliefs is set by the cultural tone. Older adults are likely to have matured in a spiritual/religious milieu and to display religious commitment. Their multidetermined religious and spiritual perspectives may influence a growth orientation that leads to wisdom or results in rigidity. This chapter points to ways culture integrates with spiritual, religious, and humanistic beliefs, ethics, behaviour, and sacred texts in the lives of older people. The role of suffering, ritual, and how death is honoured and remembered are briefly addressed.