Views on Spirituality in Old Age: What Does Love Have to Do with It?

Abstract

This paper addresses the importance of providing spiritual care for older people within the context of nursing. Based on the author’s doctoral thesis, the importance of love in relation to spirituality and spiritual care will be discussed herein. The methodology is based upon Gadamer’s hermeneutical philosophy, and the included material is one qualitative metasynthesis, interviews of 17 older people, a research synthesis of articles concerning connectedness and love, and a book by Paul Tillich. Love in connectedness was found as a universal force in spirituality, and different forms of love emerged in relation to spiritual needs in older people care. Furthermore, love as a re-unifying and connecting force may foster confirmation of human worth and dignity, enable serving others in reciprocate love, longing towards being part of something larger than oneself, and holiness in the sense of pursuing existential meaning or religiousness.

Understanding the Significance of Listening to Older People's Life Stories in Whole Person Care—An Interview Study of Nurses in Gerontology

“…Maintaining the patient's integrity, which means being whole, is a particular challenge in meeting the needs of older frail patients ( Kirkevold et al, 2020 ). Furthermore, we find that being met with respect and dignified care that acknowledges who one is as an individual person is very important for older people receiving municipal healthcare in everyday life—both at home and in institutions ( Rykkje, 2018 ). A whole person approach is about the awareness that the person we meet is more than what immediately meets the eye ( Austgard, 2010 ).…”

A qualitative hermeneutical understanding of spiritual care in old age when living in a nursing home: The residents' voices

“…This did, however, require spiritual awareness. Norway is a secular country where spiritual care is often related to religion (Rykkje, 2019) and considered a private matter. The participants gave examples of aspects of spiritual care regarding the values that they lived by; religion and faith was important for some, while others mentioned an appreciation of relationships and friendliness, feeling safe or being taken good care of.…”

“…This study does not lean towards one definition but acknowledges the existence of multiple ways of understanding spirituality, as expressed by an older participant in a Norwegian study (Rykkje, 2019):…”

“…An awareness of spiritual issues presupposes an ability to be with the residents in a way that acknowledges them and enables the nurse to open a space where these experiences can be shared and recognised. This requires comfort to be provided in caring relationships and the value of each individual resident being acknowledged (Gautam et al, 2022;Rykkje, 2019). Asking about previous experiences, preferences, life views and if they have a religious affiliation can enable nursing personnel to safeguard older people's spiritual care needs (Eriksson, 1997;Rykkje & McSherry, 2021).…”

“…This study does not lean towards one definition but acknowledges the existence of multiple ways of understanding spirituality, as expressed by an older participant in a Norwegian study (Rykkje, 2019):

There are so many varieties of spirituality … a good conversation. To go outside – a morning, birds sing, it is quiet … and this with the children, of course.

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