“The Journey I Have Been Through”: The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Aging Well Among HIV-Positive Older Adults

Abstract

The National Institutes of Health human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Aging Working Group identified spirituality as a research emphasis. This qualitative study examines the importance of religion and spirituality among 30 HIV-positive older adults. Using modified grounded theory, adults 50+ were recruited in Ontario, Canada, through AIDS service organizations, clinics, and community agencies. Descriptions of religion and spirituality encapsulated the idea of a journey, which had two components: the long-term HIV survivor profile combined with the experience of aging itself. A final category of HIV as a spiritual journey was finalized through consensus and included the properties of (1) being rejected by as well as rejection of formalized religion, (2) differentiating spirituality from religion, (3) having a connection, (4) feeling grateful, and (5) mindfulness and learning new skills. Interventions fostering resilience and strengths in HIV-positive older adults using spirituality should be considered, including the promotion of person-centered spirituality and interventions that include mindfulness and skill building.

Use of Living Strategies among Adults Aging with HIV in Canada: Comparison by Age-Group Using Data from the HIV, Health and Rehabilitation Survey

“…This approach was supported by Emlet and colleagues who demonstrated the role of spirituality among older adults aging with HIV, specifically to face the adversity that comes from long-term survivorship, to make connections with others, to harbor feelings of gratitude, and to learn new skills as one ages with HIV. 39…”

“…This approach was supported by Emlet and colleagues who demonstrated the role of spirituality among older adults aging with HIV, specifically to face the adversity that comes from long-term survivorship, to make connections with others, to harbor feelings of gratitude, and to learn new skills as one ages with HIV. 39 A greater proportion of older adults living with HIV reported engaging most or all the time in some living strategies associated with maintaining sense of control and adopting positive attitudes and beliefs, whereas a greater proportion of younger participants (<40 years) reported frequently engaging in social interaction strategies online (eg, Facebook, Twitter, chat rooms) and reaching out to others, particularly involving the Internet. The Internet and particularly the use of dating sites are mechanisms for social networking among young gay men.…”

The Roles of Spirituality in People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis

“…He aimed at teaching the participants, changing lifestyles, creating relationships and forming connections. [8][9]11,27,29,31 Spiritual roles helped the participants reduce self-blame, forgive self and others, and create self-esteem. 27 Being diagnosed with HIV triggered the patients to participate in spiritual reflections in an attempt to find meaning in life and might have brought the participants closer to God, increase church attendance or enhance spirituality.…”

“…[9][10][11] Improve Self-health Care: The participants perceived that spirituality improved self-health care because spirituality assisted them to find the meaning of illness, understanding the illness, and accepting their illness. 8,11,31 It encouraged them to focus on healthy lifestyles in order to increase longevity by taking medication, performing regular exercise, eating healthy foods, getting plenty of rest, sleeping well and preventing health risks. 9 Ironson et al, 12 and Dalmida et al, 29 found that the spiritual well-being of PLWHA was correlated with medication adherence (antiretroviral therapy), increased CD4 helper T-cell counts, decreased HIV viral load, controlled symptoms of the disease and decelerated disease progression.…”

“…The Roles of Spirituality in People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis Seeger, 2007 26 Foster et al, 201 13 Tawaisab, 2011 27 Mbetbo, 201 37 Caixeta et al, 2012 28 Dalmida et al, 2012 29 Balthip et al 8,28 ; peaceful 7,9,27 ; happiness 27 -inner strength 8,27,29, ; self-control8; empowerment 3,8 ; keep going 28,29 ; relieve the fear of death 8 ; self-consciousness 27 -understanding and accepting illness [8][9]11,30 ; reduce self-blame, self-acceptance, self-forgiveness 8,26,28 ; self-esteem 26 -self-healthcare 8,11,30 -sympathy, empathy, compassion 3,27 ; responses for others 11 -purposes of life 11 -maintaining hope 11 , making choice, second chance 11,28 -social support, sense of belonging [7][8]26 ; connect with god or higher power 7,8,[28][29][30][31] -feeling guilty 7…”