Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 4-29-2016

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Advisor

Stephen Stelzner, Psychology; Rodger Narloch, Psychology; Michael Livingston, Psychology

Abstract

The United States is facing a rapidly growing elderly population. The population aged 65 and older was estimated to be 43.1 million in 2012 and this is projected to increase to 83.7 million by 2050.

This research sought to understand the older adult experience through the relationship between religiosity, prayer, health, and life satisfaction in adults aged 65-84. In this cross-sectional design, 222 older adults were surveyed using convenience sampling.

The results showed a positive relationship between intrinsic religiosity and life satisfaction, as well as a positive relationship between prayer experience and health.

These results could have implications for clinical practitioners and for the psychological well-being and physical health of older adults. These positive relationships represent the necessity for us to better understand the older adult experience, especially as we confront the largest elderly population in history.

Included in

Psychology Commons

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