Religion And Spirituality In The Lives Of The Aged In Dormaa Traditional Area.

Abstract

All over the world the aged are considered an important category class of people. Studies into aging issues vary around the world, based on location, culture, or religion. In Ghanaian experience, the aged are very important irrespective of one’s religion and spirituality. The concept of religion and spirituality in aging is gaining recognition as an approach to better understand the lives of older adults throughout the world. There is evidence that religiosity and spirituality are among such factors. Older people tend to have high rates of involvement in religious and spiritual endeavours, and it is possible that population aging will be associated with increasing prevalence of religious and spiritual activity worldwide. Therefore, an understanding of the role of religion and spirituality in the health of older adults is needed to better treat and work with such populations so that they can prepare themselves long in advance to respond to the challenges of old age. Older adults can age gracefully if they learn new ways to build community, find spiritual and cultural interests, and continue to work for as long as they can render service, even if limited. This study used qualitative research and employed a case study method for the Dormaa people of Bono Region of Ghana. The researcher used a qualitative approach because it provides an in-depth understanding of the day-to-day situations or experiences of the participants in their geographical and sociocultural settings. Data was also collected using both primary and secondary sources of data collection. The objectives were to explore the role of religion and spirituality in the life of the aged among the Dormaa people and how it affected the quality of life of the aged. It was also to Identify the religio-cultural practices that are relevant to the enhancement of the aged life in contemporary times. Findings revealed that popular conceptualisations of aging, solid fundamental truth among cultures in Africa, and the richness of traditional practices were all found to be contributory factors to aging well and successful. Further, reconciliation in old age, companionship, the concept of community and family life, protection of indigenous knowledge systems, and old age security were some of the few recommendations the study suggested should be encouraged in order to tackle the problems identified by the study.