Chanting Among Thai Older Adults Who Are Community Dwelling in Northern Thailand

Abstract

This descriptive qualitative study explored what the spiritual practice of chanting means to the well-being of older adults living in a Northern Thailand community. In-depth interviews included 20 participants 60 years of age or older. Participants shared that chanting requires the Buddhist faith and continuous practice is beneficial in promoting wellness. Chanting provides a spiritual anchor of hope that ameliorates the experience of deleterious life events. The findings shed new light on the significance of chanting for older adults’ well-being. Chanting can provide a basis for health promotion policies and interactions that promote the health of older adults.