Views on Spirituality in Old Age: What Does Love Have to Do with It?

Religions

Linda Rykkje¹ 

[1]Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, 5009 Bergen, Norway

关键词: spiritual care;    love;    old age;    dignity;    confirmation;    serving;    longing;    holiness;   

DOI  :  10.3390/rel10010005

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This paper addresses the importance of providing spiritual care for older people within the context of nursing. Based on the author’s doctoral thesis, the importance of love in relation to spirituality and spiritual care will be discussed herein. The methodology is based upon Gadamer’s hermeneutical philosophy, and the included material is one qualitative metasynthesis, interviews of 17 older people, a research synthesis of articles concerning connectedness and love, and a book by Paul Tillich. Love in connectedness was found as a universal force in spirituality, and different forms of love emerged in relation to spiritual needs in older people care. Furthermore, love as a re-unifying and connecting force may foster confirmation of human worth and dignity, enable serving others in reciprocate love, longing towards being part of something larger than oneself, and holiness in the sense of pursuing existential meaning or religiousness.

【 授权许可】

Unknown