Assessment of Spirituality and Religion in Later Life

Abstract

The authors of this article present a brief set of questions to be used in direct practice encounters with the aged. Founded on a body of research literature that suggests a positive relationship between higher levels of spiritual and religious activities and well being among the aged. These open-ended questions are designed to assist practitioners working with the elderly explore the role religion and spirituality play in their lives with respect to affective and instrumental support and meaning making. This short inventory can be integrated into any bio-psycho-social assessment or at any point in the helping relationship.

Key Words:

• Elderly
• religion
• spirituality
• practice
• inventory
• assessment