The COVID-19 Crisis, Religiosity and Spirituality Among Seventh-Day Adventist Older Adults

ABSTRACT

This study highlights the lived experience of Seventh-day Adventist older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, while focusing on their religious and spiritual practices during this event. The researchers conducted 10 in-depth qualitative interviews and found participants experienced notable changes in their personal spirituality and practices. Furthermore, findings showed participants categorizing the events of the pandemic in light of their understanding of the Bible. The analysis highlights the all-encompassing influence of spirituality and religiosity upon participants’ experience of the world. The findings assist social workers to consider the importance of assessing and integrating older adults’ spirituality as means to enhance their well-being.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• spirituality
• religiosity
• aging

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by internal funding at Andrews University through a Faculty Research Grant.