Pastoral Care for the Aged: A Practical Guide

Abstract

There are three potential dangers to mental health in old age: chronic physical conditions, retirement, and changing family relationships. These conditions can result in various pathological manifestations: rigidity, hypochondria, paranoia, depression, and institutional neurosis. Religion is a positive force for mental health in old age, and there is much that a pastoral counselor can do in geriatric cases. An eight-step plan is recommended for pastoral care: (1) define the scope of fruitful intervention; (2) direct your opening remarks to the elder; (3) objectively take a history; (4) identify problems; (5) solve the problems directly; (6) resolve guilt complexes; (7) provide opportunities for socialization and emotional support; (8) refer cases when necessary.