The Spiritual Needs of, and Care for, the Elderly

• Main Authors: CHEN, PEN-TO, 陳本篤
• Other Authors: 陸達誠
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/41769541845200127709

碩士 === 輔仁大學 === 宗教學系 === 101 === Abstract This research focuses on the spiritual needs of the elderly and studies how to provide them with spiritual care. It seeks a creative way of attaining this goal in institutions which take care of elderly people. The research used with‘qualitative research methods’of the spiritual needs of elderly people and discovered that they do indeed have such needs. This was complemented by reading on spiritual care so as to gain a knowledge of what is actually done in certain old peoples’ homes. The ‘observational method’ and ‘semi-structured interview’ were then used for an in-depth study of eight persons aged 75 or over in one particular home. After they took part in a new form of spiritual exercise, a Hymns of Praise Group, it was observed if this enabled them to meet the three objectives of spiritual care: (1) mutual companionship, (2) spiritual stimulus and growth, and (3) a feeling of joy and peace. With the consent of the eight persons, an in-depth sample study was undertaken and the results analysed, taking into account external behavior and inner feelings. There were eight important findings: (1) active participation, (2) willingness to share, (3) finding the activity meaningful, (4) family ambiance, (5) spiritual stimulus, (6) peace and joy, (7) hope, (8) acceptance and confirmation. These eight discoveries correspond to the six aims of the Hymns of Praise Group, which were (1) to increase faith in God, (2) to cultivate a sense of family, (3) spiritual companionship, (4) to awaken an interest in the value of life, (5) to arouse hope, (6) to meet together joyfully. The research proves that the elderly do indeed have the problem of spiritual needs, and that there are new ways of spiritual care which can provide for them. As a result the researcher makes two suggestions: (1) The spiritual care of the elderly is not limited to care, but should encourage positive activities to help them to grow and to find value in life; (2) the activities of this kind of group may be very varied. They can be related to the programme and curriculum of life education. This is worth being studied and promulgated by the government, related institutions and religious communities. Key words: the elderly, spiritual needs, spiritual care, in-depth sample, participant observation, semi-structured interview.