Explore the spiritual dimensions of aging through science, theory, and practice

During the later years of life, many people devote energy to a process of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. Yet their family, friends, clergy, and the helping professionals who work with them are not always prepared to understand or deal with the spiritual concerns of their clients. Aging and Spirituality provides a unique, far-reaching overview of this long-neglected field.

Divided into four independent but interwoven sections, this landmark book covers the spiritual realm with scientific...

Aging and Spirituality: Spiritual Dimensions of Aging Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy discusses spirituality, what it is and what it means, and how it affects the overall well-being of the aging and older population. Among other topics, this book provides: research data on spirituality, including findings on connections to physical and mental health; attitudes toward death and dying, and other life themes; and guidelines for professionals for integrating and assessing spirituality in practice settings, human services, and elder-related programs. This is a guide designed for...

The purpose of this book is to provide an outlet for original research articles examining the role and value of religious and spiritual constructs across the social sciences. The aim of the series is to include an international and interfaith voice to this research dialogue. An effort is made to be interdisciplinary and academically eclectic.
The articles in the current volume represent a wide array of perspectives and research projects. Most of the articles report the findings of quantitative or qualitative investigations, but some deal with methodology, theory, or applications of social...

Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion (RSSSR) publishes reports of innovative studies that pertain empirically or theoretically to the scientific study of religion, including spirituality, regardless of their academic discipline or professional orientation. Various articles are presented covering psychological, sociological and cross-cultural topics relevant to religious/spiritual researchers and academics.