The Role of Spirituality in the Healthcare of the Aged: A Case Study of Elderly Health Care at the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital – Ghana

Abstract

Religion/spirituality has been known to be an essential part of human life. Besides supporting life challenges, spirituality does give structure, meaning and the needed understanding of day-to-day life issues. Studies confirm the hugely positive results that spirituality has on human health, especially in enhancing total well-being and quality of life. This benefit is particularly seen in the life of the elderly. For these older persons, spiritual disciplines like prayers, scriptures and music have been identified as helpful resources for their healthcare. It becomes a worrying situation when these persons who are naturally inclined to spirituality do not get these resources as a compliment to their care in an organized manner in Ghana. This issue occasioned an investigation that sought to harness the potentiality of some of these spiritual disciplines as a resource in complimenting the health of the elderly. In this paper, through SPSS, data generated from the questionnaires were chronologically arranged thematically. An empirical analysis followed which takes cognizance of interviews with healthcare personnel in Agogo Presbyterian Hospital. The result showed that there is evidence of spirituality among the aged when they are in a state of ailment. Their unflinching source of hope, strength and peace in God is made manifest amidst the discomfort that characterizes being aged coupled with ill health. Religious doctrines also affect health and health behaviour via an exposition of the scriptures during devotions at the hospital. Music ministered to the sick aged was also found to bring a feeling of nostalgia while reducing their level of anxiety. The study revealed that when the aged are devoted to prayer, it raises their level of optimism. Doctors, therefore, need to focus on emotional conditions for better health outcomes. The paper concluded by making a case for an integration of spirituality/religion into the healthcare plan of the aged. This will see clinicians giving room to aged religious/spiritual preferences to be considered as part of their therapy in Ghana. Keywords: Aged, Health, Spirituality, Prayer, Music, Scriptures