Religion among disabled and nondisabled persons .2. Attendance at religious services as a predictor of the course of disability

Author(s): Kasl, S. V.

Journal/Book: J Gerontol Ser B Psychol Sci. 1997; 52: 1275 K Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005-4006. Gerontological Society Amer. S306-S316.

Abstract: Does religious involvement influence changes in physical health We perform a longitudinal analysis of the effect of religious participation on functioning over a 12-year follow-up period, in a large, prospective, representative sample of elderly persons from New Haven, Connecticut, a religiously diverse community. To examine the possibility that disability or changes in disability may be affecting religious involvement we perform a second longitudinal analysis of changes in religious practices. Finally, we ask whether psychosocial correlates explain the effect of religious involvement on disability. Findings are (a) that attendance at services is a strong predictor of better functioning, even when intermediate changes in functioning are included, (b) that health practices, social ties, and indicators of,veil-being reduce, but do not eliminate these effects, and (c) that disability has minimal effects on subsequent attendance. The findings illustrate the short-and long-term importance of religious participation to the health and well-being of elderly people, and suggest a particular significance for religious participation in the lives of disabled elders.

Note: Article Idler EL, Rutgers State Univ, Inst Hlth Hlth Care Policy & Aging Res, 30 Coll Ave, New Brunswick,NJ 08903 USA

Keyword(s): MAINTAINING MOBILITY; SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS; ALAMEDA COUNTY; LATE-LIFE; MORTALITY; HEALTH; DEPRESSION; PARTICIPATION; ASSOCIATION; RATES

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