Faith and spirituality in older people – a Jewish perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role that faith and spirituality play for Jewish people as they age and examine how this is expressed and supported by a health and social care environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study based on work at Jewish Care and supported by other Jewish networks. It also builds on qualitative research on Ageing Well carried out in 2012.

Findings

As people age they have a need to connect with their community. Faith-based communities are ready made and often the first point of call for Jewish people. The way in which people express their faith or spirituality may not manifest itself in practice but be more about inclusion and connection. Life circumstances will determine people’s faith, identity and approach to spirituality – e.g. Holocaust survivors. There is a feeling that religious affiliation and the way it is expressed has polarised in the community which means that older people often do not connect with current ways of expressing or connecting to their faith.

Research limitations/implications

This is not a systematic research but examines through practice different approaches to supporting people as they age via a faith-based provision.

Practical implications

The approach could be replicated by other faith-based providers but also the approach and lessons should be considered by more generalist providers so that they ensure they meet the needs of the individual receiving their services. The inclusion principle reminds the author that care in a vacuum will not support the emotional and psychological needs of people.

Social implications

Divisions within a faith group opportunities for younger people to learn from their older peers reminder of more established values around faith.

Originality/value

Identifying the way in which faith is often an expression and connection to community and can reduce social isolation. The role that faith-based communities play in connecting and valuing people as they age. The reminder that ritual can be not only reassuring to people as they age but provide structure and purpose to a person’s life.

Citation

Douek, S. (2015), "Faith and spirituality in older people – a Jewish perspective", Working with Older People, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 114-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-03-2015-0005