Jessica Kingsley Publishers - USA

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Spirituality and Ageing

Editor

Spirituality and Ageing presents the experience of ageing as an opportunity for spiritual reflection and affirmation of life. The contributors are religious and spiritual leaders and ethical thinkers from a range of different backgrounds. They define 'spirituality' not just as a religious concept but as the fulfilment of the universal human need for purpose, values and relationships - a sense of wholeness in life.

This spiritual dimension helps people face the emotional and psychological challenges of growing older, such as memory loss, dementia, bereavement and fear of death. Existing systems of social care often focus on the material and physical needs of older people; this collection proposes that the spiritual needs of older people are as vital a consideration for their welfare. Through their spirituality, older people can attain a fuller appreciation and understanding of life, which can also inform and enrich the lives of others.Spirituality and Ageing will be an invaluable resource to carers looking for a holistic and more reflective approach to work with older people.

Published: 1998-09-01
196 pages 238 x 156mm
ISBN 9781853026317
$39.95
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Press reviews for: Spirituality and Ageing

Dementia Plus Website

The great strength of this collection is that the words come from active people who draw upon their involvement in particular settings: 'Theology is being hammered out on the anvil of experience'…Albert Jewell did us great service in bringing these texts to us.

Contact - Helen Leathard

This timely and attractive book contains seventeen chapters, by different authors, as well as a useful introduction by the editor. Its practical importance lies in its provision of experience-based insights and practical guidance for those caring for the elderly or those approaching old age themselves.

Age and Ageing

This book is an attractive collection of essays by religious and ethical thinkers reflecting on the common human experience of growing older. It concentrates on the needs which we tend to ignore in the modern industrialized National Health Service. Albert Jewell's thoughtful introduction re-affirms life, stating that people of all ages need love (the receiving and giving of affection), peace (finding a measure of stability and tranquility) and worship (a sense of awe, an attribution of value or worth to whom ever or what ever is deemed to merit it). This is a predominantly christian-based book which does include a chapter on British Hindus Sikhs and Muslims. The book tackles a very difficult area and certainly makes a case for the importance of religious reflection and affirmation of life. It would be a particularly useful resource for those concerned with the pastoral care of elderly people.

Revd. Dr Richard B. Gilbert, Executive Director, The World Pastoral Care Center

This book serves many significant purposes, not the least of which is keeping before us the presence of the elderly, the rights and needs of the elderly, and the spiritual wealth borne by many of them if we are willing to respect the treasure and accompany it through their journey and ours. We are reminded that "Trying to think deeply about the meaning and purpose of life is to engage in a religious quest" (p.25) This expression neither begins nor ends at age 65. The book is a wealth of resources in its collective essays and will speak much to us who professionally (and personally) dwell with older adults.

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