Incorporating religion and spirituality to improve care for anxiety and depression in older adults

Geriatrics. 2009 Aug;64(8):15-8.

Abstract

Recent research has suggested that religion/spirituality may be linked to improved physical and emotional health, although the patient's motivation and method of using religious/spiritual beliefs appear to be a key factor in obtaining benefit. Studies have shown that there is a high level of religion/spirituality among older adults in the United States and significant patient-reported desire to include such beliefs in health care settings. This article provides a brief overview of the support for considering religion/spirituality in the health care of older adults and reviews potential drawbacks and methods for providers to assess and use patient beliefs to improve anxiety/depression.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety / therapy*
  • Attitude to Death*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mind-Body Therapies
  • Palliative Care / organization & administration*
  • Patient-Centered Care / organization & administration
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Religion and Medicine*
  • Religion and Psychology
  • Spirituality*
  • United States