It is quite common for people to get worried about their physical and mental health. They will try to do everything to ensure their own well-being. However, it is quite uncommon for people to worry about their spirituality. Yet, it is important for every person, including elders, to get connected with their spirituality and find their inner peace.

Spirituality gives you wholeness and brings a sense of peace along with bringing emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of life.

Everyone has a different journey towards spirituality. Some people go through struggles and hardships to find their spiritual purpose.

Just like young people have spiritual needs, you cannot deny the spiritual needs of the elderly. Spirituality plays a significant role in the life of many people. It not only helps to improve the quality of life in young and aged people, but it also gives a strong sense of calmness, serenity, and relief.

Whether the elders participate in group service or just pray with friends, they can strengthen their relationships through spirituality.

Opportunities for social engagement are crucial for older persons, who run the danger of isolating themselves as they age. Being socially active may lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and various malignancies, in addition to reducing feelings of loneliness and sadness.

These social ties can be particularly consoling during difficult times. The loss of a spouse or other loved one affects a lot of elderly individuals. Others could be enduring their disease or passing away. To deal with these challenging issues, your spirituality may act as a support system.

Let’s talk about spirituality in detail

What is spirituality?

Spirituality is a simple word that can be defined as having an emotional connection with something bigger than you. A lot of individuals search for purpose in their life.

Finding the meaning and purpose of life may be used to explain spirituality, which is influenced by religion and belief systems.

However, your spiritual purpose can differ from another person. You might find your spirituality by being the best version of yourself. There are many ways you can follow to find spirituality in life, such as through prayer, meditation, and the pursuit of spiritual well-being.

The spiritual goal is unrelated to anything material. It has nothing to do with things like your home or work (though there can be a connection). Instead, is can be related to developing a set of values, beliefs, and principles that give life meaning and using them to inform your decisions and actions is the spiritual purpose.

Spiritual Distress

Spiritual well-being is connected with feeling at peace and having calmness in your time. It can be related to suffering. The reason behind spiritual distress includes unresolved conflicts, needs, and unanswered questions. The people who do not find the purpose the meaning in life can feel lonely and distressed.

If your spiritual needs are not met, you can feel distressed. Many people suggest that spiritual distress can increase over the years, and it can become high near the end of life. Therefore, it becomes important to meet the spiritual needs of the elderly so that they can feel at ease.

If you are feeling depressed or are afraid to be alone means you are going through spiritual distress. Being afraid to be alone or becoming more isolated and withdrawn are also signs of spiritual distress.

What Can be the Cause of Spiritual Distress?

There are many things that can cause spiritual distress in people, such as

·        Relationship issues

Your family, friends, and spouse play a very important role in how you feel. Family tragedies or not being able to support your family, or not getting enough support from your family all can be the causes of spiritual distress. The people who cannot connect with their family find themselves isolated and alone, and they can go through issues like depression.

·        Fear About Dying

This can be observed more frequently in elders. The thought of them dying or what will happen after their death can bring spiritual distress in them.

Tips for Practicing Spirituality

Spirituality is a very personal thing, and you would want it to be meaningful to you. Yes, it is important to respect the beliefs, thoughts, and practices of other people. However, it does not mean that you have to follow them yourself.

Spirituality has no connection with fashion or effort to look cool. Doing yoga just because your friends are doing it and it’s trendy will not help you find peace in your life. It might be better to go for a walk at the beach at night with someone special.

Here are some of the things that can help you practice spirituality

Communicate With Other People

Don’t be reluctant to talk to a trustworthy relative, friend, or religious person about your spirituality because it might be complicated and stressful. You may choose what spirituality means to you by paying attention to other people’s experiences and making them significant to yourself.

Practice Empathy

It can be soothing to listen to others and hear what they have to say. When you help others, listen to their problems and advise them, it brings a sense of calm and peace to you. Part of spiritual wellness includes talking to other people and hearing their perspectives. Thinking good about other people, not focusing on negative things, and finding light even in the dark can give you ultimate peace.

Final Verdict

Speaking about spirituality is ridiculed by some, while it is considered a waste of time by others. You need not be concerned about what others are thinking. It’s about you, not them, finding purpose in your life. Continue looking if you still can’t find what you are looking for, i.e., a lifetime path toward spirituality.

Keep in mind that what makes sense to you doesn’t have to make sense to everyone. It is your life, and you have all the right to follow things that make you happy or make you feel at ease.