Spirituality and health in older Thai persons in the United States

Health and spiritual phenomena are viewed differently depending on the cultural perspective. This study describes spirituality as perceived and experienced by older Thai persons. Specific aims were to describe how spirituality helped older Thai persons maintain their health and to describe what they valued most as they aged. A qualitative, descriptive study informed by ethnographic methods was utilized. The sample included 9 older Thai persons from an urban U.S. community. Data were generated using ethnographic interviews and participant observation. Data analysis incorporated coding, categorizing, and theme development. Rigor was guided by Lincoln and Guba. Five major themes emerged from the data: Connecting with spiritual resources provided comfort and peace, finding harmony through a healthy mind and body, living a valuable life, valuing tranquil relationships with family and friends, and experiencing meaning and confidence in death. For these Thai participants, health and spirituality coexisted and were linked to all of life.