Spirituality & Aging in Mexico

GERN 474 – Maria Claver & Casey GoellerAlma Madrid Lisa Medrano Kim Pham

Michelle Prado Lorrie RussellApril 5th, 2010

Spirituality

Definition – sensitivity or attachment to religious values.

Question: How does spiritual belief influence attitudes about aging in individuals of Mexican heritage?

Survey

Six questions survey conducted in Los Angeles County and Mexico.

Disagree or Agree questions.

Questions touched on the topics of influences of spirituality and aging.

Participants 2 Males & 3 Females.

Age range is between 53 – 72 years old.

4/5 Live in Los Angeles County 1 Live in Mexico.

2/5 Reside in South Gate; 2/5 Reside in Los Angeles; 1/5 Reside in Mexico.

Question 1

My spiritual beliefs help me cope with my own aging process.

4 Agree.

1 Disagree (Male respondent 64 yrs old).

Analysis

Spiritual beliefs help older adults cope with their own aging process.

Beliefs allow older adults to accept aging on a spiritual/mental level.

Question 2

I am as spiritual now as I was when I was younger.

1 Agree (Female respondent 72 yrs old).

4 Disagree.

Analysis

The oldest participant agreed that she is as spiritual now as when I was younger.

94 % Catholic.

Environment can be an influencer.

Question 3

My spiritual beliefs make me cultivate factors that make my life more meaningful.

2 Agree.

3 Disagree.

Analysis

Spirituality help to cultivate, develop, enhance factors.

Unique individual’s perception.

Question 4

My spirituality has connected me with a network of peers.

1 Agree (Female respondent – 69 yrs old).

4 Disagree.

Analysis One Female respondent in South Gate felt she is

connected to a network.

Mobility or physical issues.

Both males (age 53 & 69) did not believe that spirituality connected them with a network of peers.

Males may not be more open to communicating with others about aging or spirituality.

Question 5

My spiritual beliefs make me more optimistic about my aging even in illness.

5 Agree.

0 Disagree.

Analysis

All respondents agree that spiritual belief makes them more optimistic about aging even in illness.

Positive outlook about aging.

Turns to faith during times of illness.

Question 6 The following are my spiritual practices:

Prayer/Religion 4 out of 5

Meditation 0 out of 5

Relaxation 1 out of 5

Hope 1 out of 5

Connecting with Nature 1 out of 5

Analysis

Connection with nature by individual living in Mexico.

All the ladies practiced prayer & religion.

Summary of Findings

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q50

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

5

Spiritual Influences on Aging

DisagreeAgree

Questions

Parti

cipan

ts

Conclusion

Spirituality does let individuals cope with illness and aging.

Older adults have an optimistic point of view to aging in connection to their faith.