Abstract:

This paper takes the view that old age is a spiritual journey. It suggests that a primary task for the carer is to support this spiritual journey into old age. The spiritual development of the older person is also assisted by an appropriate societal context, hospitable to this view of the ageing process. Thus older people may be encouraged to retain a sense of self, of meaning and of integrity. The article explores the various discourses through which ageing is understood, and discusses the implications for health and social care services of the ‘spiritual journey' discourse.

Author: Harriet Mowat