Spirituality and Old Age

Abstract

This article highlights the potential for ageist ideology to minimize or obscure the significance of the spiritual dimension of older people's lives and thus adversely impact on the care and support that they receive—especially in times of crisis or loss. Spirituality can be said to incorporate our sense of identity and understanding of our place and status in the world. If we consider that ageism, by marginalizing and dehumanizing older people, has the potential to undermine selfhood and self-worth, we can see that the relationship between the two merits attention. This article explores the connection between the two concepts and challenges ageist assumptions about what older people want and need.