Older persons wellbeing and the spiritual imperative

This paper presents a perspective on the development of knowledge in the spiritual dimension of aging, with particular emphasis on wellbeing. At present, the gerontological literature is drawing attention to the increasing influential role of spirituality in physical and psychological wellbeing of older adults. Spirituality has a significant positive relationship with physical and psychological wellbeing of the older adults. Further, spiritual intervention helps the individuals to recover from psychological distress and death anxiety, as well as from chronic illness. With the rapid growth of older populations worldwide, emerging issues regarding the physical and mental health of older adults requires greater research and clinical attention. The current trend of aging populations suggests the need for greater emphasis on the spiritual wellbeing of older populations. The article addresses the need for health care practitioners to acquire spiritual knowledge and skills in understanding the spiritual needs of older adults during therapeutic processes