The Impact of Spirituality on Wellness for Appalachian Older Adults

Abstract

The authors examined the role spirituality can play as a protective factor in the wellness of older adults residing in the Appalachian region of the United States. Analysis of participants' interviews identified 4 themes. These themes and implications for counselors working with Appalachian older adults are discussed.

Religious and spiritual journeys of LGBT older adults in rural Southern Appalachia

“…They are also at a time in their lives when individuals typically begin to rely on family members for care and support, and LGBT individuals are often relying on surrogate or chosen families (Knauer, 2016). Finally, the individuals in our study live in southern, rural Appalachia and in the Bible Belt, two areas of the country where religion, and often conservative religious ideology, permeates everyday life (Barton, 2010;Linscott et al, 2016;Savla et al, 2019).…”

“…Appalachia, which spans from northern Mississippi to southern New York and includes 205,000 square miles, provides a specific and unique rural context (Appalachian Regional Commission, n.d.). Although Appalachia is often identified for its high poverty rates, poor health factors, lack of trust of outsiders, and isolation and seclusion; it also has a distinct culture that includes spirituality and religion (Linscott et al, 2016;Savla et al, 2019). In Linscott et al's (2016) qualitative study with older adults in Appalachia, participants noted a distinction between religion and spirituality and explained that living in Appalachia had an influence on both their religion and spirituality.…”

“…In Linscott et al's (2016) qualitative study with older adults in Appalachia, participants noted a distinction between religion and spirituality and explained that living in Appalachia had an influence on both their religion and spirituality. Religion has to do with an organized activity or practice (Linscott et al, 2016). For instance, living in close-knit communities for generations meant that small church communities were integrated into everyday life.…”

“…In this part of the country, Evangelical Protestant groups, such as Southern Baptist and nondenominational churches, are prominent. Spirituality is often associated with a belief system and how someone lives their life, and this was ubiquitous in Appalachian communities (Linscott et al, 2016).…”

“…Seven participants described personal activities, beliefs, or identities that reflected a more individualized sense of spirituality or religion. Spirituality is a general belief system and how people live their lives, and religion is involvement in organized practices or activities (Linscott et al, 2016). Three described participating in women's spiritual communities, as described above, and two described themselves as being spiritual.…”