Helping Older Ones Maintain Their Spiritual Routine
Spirituality has been the lifeblood of our residents all their lives. For these faithful servants of Jehovah, it has brought comfort in hard times, advice when faced with difficult decisions, and hope in days of change. Now too, as they get older, we see them try their best to feed their faith and keep spiritually strong. But with the limitations of age, they might need some help keeping up with their spiritual routine.
The goal of Jah-Jireh has always been to provide a warm, loving atmosphere for our residents where they can feel spiritually nourished, along with being cared for physically. With this goal in mind, we wanted to share what we do to help elderly residents maintain their spiritual routine and provide some of the tips that have helped us.
Jehovah Knows What We Need
Being “conscious of our spiritual need” does not have an age limit. Our Creator knows that is what we need to be happy and to be able to deal with the challenges that come our way. Scientific findings are discovering the wisdom of this for the elderly.
The significance of spirituality in healthy aging is well established. Research also suggests that spirituality, for example, may serve as a buffer of worry in later life and contribute to elderly persons enhancing their quality of life.
Social isolation among Canadian seniors is growing. Around 19% of Canadian seniors aged 65 and over report feeling lonely, according to Statistics Canada. Many of them have been less active socially due to health or mobility issues. A regular spiritual rhythm of prayer, study, and community can provide structure, comfort, and a sense of connectedness that can help with those struggles, especially through long winters and slow days.
An Awake! article (2006) encourages the older ones to focus on worthwhile activities, prayer, and spiritual association with increasing years, and assures older ones that life can still be worth living even when vitality is on the wane.
Comfort from the Bible:
“Until you grow old I will be the same;
Until your hair is gray I will keep bearing you.
As I have done, I will carry you and bear you and rescue you.”
This promise is deeply comforting for older ones. It is a reassurance that they are never left out. Keeping to a spiritual routine reaffirms this reassurance.
A Challenge for the Elderly
A lot of older people want to be spiritually engaged, but they struggle with these concerns:
Mobility concerns: Conditions such as arthritis, balance issues, or reliance on walking aids can make it difficult for people to attend meetings. Sitting for too long is a challenge in itself.
Fatigue from illness-related factors: Residents may be weakened by chronic illness or fatigue. Hearing difficulties and vision changes can also prevent people from participating in discussions or accessing reading materials.
Cognitive changes: Memory loss or limitations in processing information quickly can lead to a loss of confidence in formal studying.
Emotional burnout: Seniors say they get depressed when they can’t do as much as they used to.
How Jah-Jireh Helps
Our care home takes a thoughtful and compassionate approach to spiritual support. We love these wonderful, faithful friends, and our heart goes out to see them struggle with things that they have done all their lives. We try to help them by facilitating activities that help them stick to their routine.
Daily Text each morning:
From Monday to Saturday, residents discuss the Daily Text together. They offer calm encouragement to start each day on the right note.
Monday Night Watchtower Study:
Friendly volunteers from neighbouring congregations conduct the Watchtower study in the home.
Zoom Meetings:
Congregation meetings are broadcast from our meeting room. This ensures residents don’t miss out on spiritual nourishment even if they are unable to make it to the Kingdom Hall. Arrangements are put in place for those who are able to attend in person with their congregations.
A welcoming environment:
Paying attention to the seating layout, lighting, work/think materials, etc., helps our residents participate with dignity.
Read more on how you can create a warm, senior-friendly environment: https://jah-jireh.on.ca/blog/creating-living-spaces-for-the-elderly
Visitation:
Volunteers visit frequently to provide spiritual support and to keep residents connected.
Soft encouragement:
Participation is always non-exclusive and non-obligatory, acknowledging everyone's current health and energy levels.
A Home Where Faith Is Respected and Nurtured
Spirituality brings peace, hope, and a sense of continuity, perhaps more so than ever in old age. Our care home supports residents by blending spiritual routines into daily life. This way, they can do what they cherish the most – keep spiritual interests first – despite old age.
