Promoting spiritual care for older people in New Zealand: the Selwyn Centre for Ageing and Spirituality

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a centre to promote the spiritual care of older people in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The spiritual scene in New Zealand is described and “spirituality” defined. The history of the Selwyn Centre for Ageing and Spirituality (SCAS) is illustrated by case studies in three areas: research, education and advocacy, noting challenges in providing spiritual care to older people.

Findings

The number of New Zealanders claiming a religious affiliation is dropping but spirituality is of interest and relevance to many people. The acknowledgement of Maori spirituality has affected government policy. The SCAS has supported research and provided education throughout the country. Advocacy is difficult where care focuses on the physical and funding for frail older people is limited.

Research limitations/implications

While the importance of good spiritual care for older people is clear, this is not easy to achieve. However, an organisation like SCAS has brought the issue to national awareness and made some contribution to increased understanding and improved practice.

Practical implications

As the population ages and expressions of spirituality diversify, a deeper understanding of spirituality beyond Christian religion is required.

Social implications

While the SCAS focuses on older people, it has formed a nexus of people more widely interested in spirituality at all ages, in different cultures and throughout the country.

Originality/value

This is the first description of a New Zealand organisation specifically addressing the spiritual care of older people.

Citation

Perkins, C. (2015), "Promoting spiritual care for older people in New Zealand: the Selwyn Centre for Ageing and Spirituality", Working with Older People, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 107-113. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-01-2015-0003