Ageing, Spirituality and Well-being

by Malcolm Goldsmith (Contribution by), Rosalie Hudson (Contribution by), Elizabeth MacKinlay (Contribution by), Albert Jewell (Editor)

Overview

How can we promote the enduring well-being of those who are moving into the 'fourth' age of life? Ageing, Spirituality and Well-being explores how well-being is not about physical health alone; having purpose in life and continual spiritual growth are vital elements for older individuals. This book provides guidance on how the particular spiritual needs of this age group can be defined and addressed, and how meaningful care and support can be given.

The contributors use their expertise in the fields of medicine, theology and the social sciences to explore ways of overcoming obstacles and finding a balance when dealing with the inner, and inextricably linked outer, lives of elders, including those with dementia or who have had strokes. A collection of diverse views, practical observations and sound advice, this is a thought-provoking resource for all those concerned with the physical, mental and pastoral well-being of older people.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846424304
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	10/15/2003
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	678 KB

About the Author

A Methodist minister for more than 40 years, Albert Jewell was pastoral director and senior chaplain with MHA Care Group, 1994-2001. During that time he co-ordinated the work of the Sir Halley Stewart Age Awareness Project and established MHA's centre for the spirituality of ageing in Leeds. He is the editor of Spirituality and Ageing (1999), also available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers, and is currently researching how people cope with the transition from the 'third' to the 'fourth' ages of life.
Elizabeth MacKinlay is a registered nurse and an Anglican priest. She is Director of the Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies at St Mark's National Theological Centre, Canberra, and a Professor in the School of Theology, Charles Sturt University. Elizabeth was Chair of the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing in 2008 and is the ACT Senior Australian of the Year for 2009.

Table of Contents

Preface, Albert Jewell, former Pastoral Director, MHA Care Group, Derby. 1. Nourishing the Inner Being: A Spirituality Model, Albert Jewell. 2. The Stars Only Shine in the Night: The Challenge of Creative Ageing, Malcolm Goldsmith, former Research Fellow, University of Stirling. 3. Successful Ageing and the Spiritual Journey, Harriet Mowat, Aberdeen University. 4. The Caged Bird: Thoughts on the Challenge of Living with Stroke, Penelope Wilcock, Methodist Minister. 5. The Spiritual Dimension of Ageing, Elizabeth MacKinlay, University of Canberra. 6. Ageing and the Trinity: Holey, Wholly, Holy? Rosalie Hudson, University of Melbourne. 7. Older People and Institutionalised Religion: Spiritual Questioning in Later Life, Peter G. Coleman, University of Southampton. 8. The Search for Meaning of Life in Older Age, Leo Missinne, University of Nebraska. 9. The Dance of Life: Spirituality, Ageing and Human Flourishing, Ursula King, Professor Emerita, University of Bristol. 10. Magic Mirrors: What People with Dementia Show Us about Ourselves, John Killick, University of Stirling. 11. Hearing the Story: Spiritual Challenges for the Ageing in an Acute Mental Health Unit, Deborah Dunn, Chaplain, Western Australia. 12. Ageing, Spirituality and Well-Being: Eastern Perspectives and Implications for the West, Krishna Mohan, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. 13. Ageist Theology: Some Pickwickian Prolegomena, Kevin Barnard, Vicar of Bolsterstone, Diocese of Sheffield. 14. Geriatric Burden or Elderly Blessing? David Jenkins, former Bishop of Durham. References. Index.

Editorial Reviews

I was drawn to this book in a search for theology of ageing, but found much more. Though it tackles uncomfortable issues the confront us all, the book is a delight, full of hope and reassurance... So we are helped to answer not what we can do about the ageing problem, but what is the meaning of ageing - something for us all.

The Good Book Stall

This publication brings together plenary addresses and other papers originally present at the Second International Conference on Ageing, Spirituality and Well-Being. The contributions are compassionate, warm and humane. The book is often insightful, frequently surprising, and can, without hesitation, be recommended as an introductory text to undergraduate nurses who wish to pursue those themes so ably captured by the title.

Nursing Philosophy

We are told that we live in a society where ageing is often viewed as an embarrassment, suffering and dying a meaningless experience and death a medical failure. The contributors, from medicine, theology and the social sciences, aim to give guidance on how the particular spiritual needs of the elderly can be defined and addressed; and how meaningful care and support can be given.

The International Journal of Psychiatric Nursing Research

This is a timely book, appearing when those in the medical profession are beginning to accept that the spiritual and religious needs of people, and in particular older people, are important subjects which deserve to be considered when assessing the quality of life of a patient.

Signpost

It should be required reading for EVERY pastor, carer, visitor, family member.

The Expository Times

This is an interesting and worthwhile book. The writings come from people of disparate professions and experiences and from several continents. We all have a great deal to learn of and from each other's traditions. I hope it will be read and used widely by church groups as well as professionals "living off the geriatric burden''. There is wonderful material here to help us make something of our awareness that there is more to life than individual material well-being.

Dementia Plus Website

This is a thought-provoking resource for all those concerned with the physical, mental and pastoral well-being of older people.

Handicap Info

This collection of essays on the spiritual well-being of older people has something to offer believers and non-believers alike... All the contributors ponder the application of spirituality, either as a part of formal religion or not, to the lives of older people, and conclude that this area of care is fundamental to positive living in the fourth age of life... the essays are a thought-provoking and insightful contribution to the provision of holistic care in old age.

Community Care

This timely book is an excellent, accessible introduction to the spiritual aspects of ageing and deserves to be widely read by anyone with a pastoral concern. It also offers useful practical insights into our own ageing and suggests ways in which we might approach it creatively and with confidence.

Methodist Recorder

I enjoyed reading this book, with its rich explorations and insights into spirituality in later life... It brings together the views of some of the most well known academics, theologians and medical professionals working in this area... This book is beautifully edited, with an ample introduction, biographies of each of the presenters and enough reading references to fill at least a section of a library. Jewell says he hopes it will be a worthy contribution to the ongoing discussion of spirituality and well -being, and in this he undoubtedly succeeds. There are many snapshots of the life stories of older people scattered throughout the book. I will conclude with the comment of a woman with dementia to her occupational therapist after an art activity: "We have been on a wonderful journey, you and I. What fun we have had, laughing and singing. Holding a rainbow in our hands".

Journal of Dementia Care