Grace in Belief: Spiritual Wellness for the Elderly

Faith is undoubtedly a powerful belief that we all find in deities, ideas, individuals, rituals, or ways of life. Faith is often supported by a group, making it a community builder. It brings people together. While faith may vary from person to person, one must have the freedom to express and follow. For seniors, faith is crucial as it combats feelings of loneliness, provides a purpose in life, and brings happiness within.

The beauty of faith in senior years is it can be so varied yet so powerful. It is crucial to enable and empower them to continue it, whether they stay on their own or in a facility or care. Let us look at some of the rituals of different faiths that one may have grown up following.

• Prayers: In Christianity and Sikhism, Sundays are for worship and reflection through prayers, carols, langars, and seva. It infuses a renewed energy, encourages community connection and service, and gives a sense of belonging. The same goes for Friday prayers in Islam. Along with moral teachings, it grants a sense of unity and cohesiveness. Hinduism has many Gods, and temple visits and prasads are a look-forward for many. So why stop even if they are old? We must arrange for them to visit the prayer place with help or a carer or drive them there, taking time out from our routine. Prayers have their way of healing within.
• Bhajans/ Kirtans/Satsang/ Path: We often tell or joke with seniors that they should do satsangs. But have we realized what satsangs stand for? It means in the company of truth. These satang gatherings make one introspect, reflect, and purify within. I have seen satsangs even addressing practical issues like how to be more understanding in relationships with daughters-in-law, how to cope with depression, or how to give space to children. Similarly, bhajans and kirtans bring joy and peace and tell us about our Gods.
• Reading / Writing: Some resort to books like Geeta, Granths, Upanishads, Bible, Quran, etc. They are read either in groups or individually. Some have a daily routine of writing Ram and finishing many pages in a day. It brings out a purpose or a target attached to each day. Repetitive reading also helps to strengthen memory muscles.
• Meditation/ Chanting/ Rosary: These activities bring a deeper connection to God, and they are themselves in a safe space. It keeps negativity away and keeps them at peace.
• Fasting: Fasting on certain occasions, unless medically advised, must be allowed as their body is conditioned to observing it and helps them purify their thoughts and devotion to God. When food is provided as per their fasting needs, they feel included.

How to help our seniors to keep their faith intact:

• Keep their prayer place free of clutter and at a reasonably accessible height. Ensure they are in a stable state to light diyas to avoid any accidents.
• If knees are an issue and standing or sitting is a challenge, then keep a seat handy with good support. If it involves a fire hazard, then let that be under supervision. Keep any inflammable products away for minimal damage. Check for oil spillages after pooja and wipe it off.
• If they are visiting you for a brief period, keep their Gods in their room so they don’t hesitate to worship at their own will. If at the assisted living facility, request the facility to keep their worship idols, books, notebooks, and rosaries and handle them with the same respect.
• Encourage satsangs, kirtans, langar, or any place where the community meets and networking thrives.
• Do not discriminate or make fun of their practices by constantly questioning them.

How can an assisted living facility help?

Collective Religious Participation

All major festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm. Prayers are an intrinsic part. The collective efforts include traditional food preparations, selecting festive attire, deciding on the sequence of events, etc. It fosters a strong sense of unity, belonging, and camaraderie among residents.

Bhajans and Kirtans

Weekly sessions of bhajans and kirtans with rhythmic music and a devotional atmosphere provide a deeply immersive experience, offering spiritual upliftment and trance-like reflection. It is these peaceful moments that go a long way in keeping up their happiness quotient.

Spiritual Outings and Temple Visits

With family consent, care facilities can organize occasional trips to nearby temples or religious gatherings. Trained assistants accompany them to provide comfort and make it an enriching experience for them.

Community Service Opportunities

Engaging residents in community service activities, such as feeding stray animals, planting trees, preparing prasadam, or participating in temple service(seva), gives them a sense of purpose. It elevates self-worth and connects with the larger community.

Emotional and Mental Well-being

Good care facilities recognize the importance of spiritual practices in promoting emotional stability and reducing anxiety.

You may like to read this: Beyond Daily Needs: The Importance of Holistic Senior Care

PapayaCare Assisted Living Facility – Faith is non-negotiable

At PapayaCare Assisted Living Facility in Ahmedabad, residents get an environment that respects and nurtures their spiritual beliefs. Music and dance are integral parts of daily life, creating a joyful atmosphere where everyone participates and celebrates together.

For able residents, yoga and meditation sessions are encouraged to support mental and physical well-being. Additionally, guest speakers and spiritual leaders are regular invitees to deliver talks and pravachans, which help keep the residents mentally engaged and emotionally uplifted, promoting a positive and peaceful state of mind. Come and visit one of their sessions and vibe with the tribe, before you make a decision for your loved one.