Religion & Healthy Aging

This book was completed as part of a doctoral dissertation. It is not a complete piece, but a snap shot for family, friends and collegues. Religion is a source of comfort to some and a conflict to others. A study done by Gallop at Princeton claimed that a vast majority of Americans (94%) claim to believe in God. Koenig’s study found that among older Americans, 98% believe in God, and pray. Mangan, et al found that physicians tend to ignore religious issues in the care of their patients. However, this trend is changing. As reported by Koenig, 2002 two thirds of the medical schools offered required or elective courses on religion, spirituality, and medicine. Considering that the elderly think religion is important, that religion likely benefits health outcomes, and that religion is without financial cost, health care providers should include religion in the care of their elderly patients.