Mindfulness: A positive spirituality for ageing?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology of Religion
• Mindfulness Studies

Background:

• Religious faith is a known contributor to well-being among individuals in aged care settings.
• A growing segment of the younger generation is disengaging from established religions.
• Spirituality beyond traditional religious frameworks may be crucial for future well-being.
• Mindfulness practices are empirically supported as contributors to overall well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of religious faith and general spirituality in the well-being of individuals in aged care.
• To identify potential forms of spirituality that resonate with non-religious individuals, particularly younger generations.
• To assess the suitability of mindfulness as an accessible spiritual practice for diverse populations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on religion, spirituality, mindfulness, and well-being in older adults.
• Analysis of trends in religious affiliation and spiritual seeking among different age groups.
• Examination of research supporting mindfulness interventions for psychological health.

Main Results:

• Established religious faith positively impacts well-being in the aged care population.
• General spirituality offers potential well-being benefits but requires adapted expressions for younger, secular demographics.
• Mindfulness emerges as a promising, secular spiritual avenue with research-backed well-being advantages.

Conclusions:

• Interventions supporting spiritual well-being in aged care should consider both traditional religious practices and broader spiritual expressions.
• Mindfulness offers a viable and accessible pathway to spiritual well-being for individuals disengaging from organized religion.
• Future research should focus on developing and evaluating secular spiritual interventions tailored to the needs of the evolving population in aged care.