Abstract
The construct of frailty has attracted increased attention in the past decade, primarily from a medical perspective. As yet, little research has concentrated on the lived experience of frailty from older people’s point of view, and from a spiritual perspective. When attention is given only to the deficits of frailty, the reality for older people can be misconstrued, and the importance of meaning missed.
A recent study of the lived experience of frail older people, on the final life journey towards death, focuses on finding life meaning, forgiveness, hope, intimacy, and transcendence, tasks outlined in MacKinlay’s (2006, 2017) model of the process and spiritual tasks of ageing, and critical to well-being. Informed by a preliminary qualitative inquiry, a mixed-method study was undertaken, comprising psychometric tests and in-depth interviews of 25 participants aged between 71 and 102, from different cultures and religious faiths, or no faith. 22 participants lived in residential care, 3 received in-home care; all experienced frailty.
Drawing on participants’ narratives, this paper presents the second-stage findings regarding sources of meaning, inner strength, hope and joy, and engagement with available spiritual supports, identifying what older people themselves regard as important for their well-being as they experience frailty in the final life journey, thereby informing best practice in spiritual care to provide more satisfying experiences in the ‘last lap of life’.
This study was supported by a grant from the Centre for Public and Contextual Theology, Charles Sturt University.
A recent study of the lived experience of frail older people, on the final life journey towards death, focuses on finding life meaning, forgiveness, hope, intimacy, and transcendence, tasks outlined in MacKinlay’s (2006, 2017) model of the process and spiritual tasks of ageing, and critical to well-being. Informed by a preliminary qualitative inquiry, a mixed-method study was undertaken, comprising psychometric tests and in-depth interviews of 25 participants aged between 71 and 102, from different cultures and religious faiths, or no faith. 22 participants lived in residential care, 3 received in-home care; all experienced frailty.
Drawing on participants’ narratives, this paper presents the second-stage findings regarding sources of meaning, inner strength, hope and joy, and engagement with available spiritual supports, identifying what older people themselves regard as important for their well-being as they experience frailty in the final life journey, thereby informing best practice in spiritual care to provide more satisfying experiences in the ‘last lap of life’.
This study was supported by a grant from the Centre for Public and Contextual Theology, Charles Sturt University.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 31 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Oct 2019 |
| Event | 8th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality - Old Parliament House , Canberra , Australia Duration: 27 Oct 2019 → 30 Oct 2019 https://about.csu.edu.au/community/accc/ageing-spirituality (Conference website) https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/3281579/20191016-Conference-Program-Final-4.pdf (conference program) |
Conference
| Conference | 8th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Changing Cultures of Ageing and Spirituality |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Canberra |
| Period | 27/10/19 → 30/10/19 |
| Other | The Colloquium for Ageing Perspectives and Spirituality (previously the Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies) is excited about the forthcoming 20th anniversary of the Ageing and Spirituality conference with its return to Canberra in 2019. The inaugural spirituality and ageing conference was held in the National Capital in January 2000 and convened by Professor Elizabeth Mackinlay. Now in its 8th iteration, the national and international profile of the conference has grown significantly. It attracts people from across the globe who are at the forefront of ageing and spirituality; an area that has only recently begun to be recognised as vital to the well-being and care of older people. The conference theme, ‘Changing Cultures of Ageing and Spirituality’, will address changing cultures (defined in their broadest sense) in the 21st century, specific issues of later life, working with older people and theological and ethical issues. International speakers have been invited from Singapore the USA, UK and NZ. We anticipate abstracts submissions from many different contexts which will broaden understanding of ‘changing cultures’. We have much to learn from one another. The conference will be interesting for international delegates with Australia at the forefront of addressing contemporary issues on ageing. In particular the new Aged Care Quality Standards which take effect in July 2019 highlight meeting spiritual needs such as meaning, purpose, identity, beliefs, and wellbeing. These new standards are a departure from existing standards where the main focus was on inputs of physical well-being and care. These new standards will be highlighted in the conference. As the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety proceeds in 2019 it is anticipated that this conference will help clarify, encourage and develop professional practice. |
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