Several studies have pointed to a link between strong spiritual beliefs and an increased ability to cope with loss and bereavement. Experts believe that having strong spiritual beliefs allows people to place their trust and emotional burdens in a higher power. This limits the burdens they have to place upon themselves. Those seniors who report especially strong beliefs appear to fair the best in coping with loss.

Seniors who have a faith tradition that reaches back to childhood appear to have the strongest beliefs. Children find comfort in faith in a higher power because they can relate it to the faith they have in the protection their parents provide them. These early teachings generally translate into stronger faith that carries them into later life.

What does this mean for seniors or for those who care for seniors?

• All seniors will have a difference response to loss and bereavement. Caregivers may need to provide for this will different types of support after loss.
• Lifestyle, beliefs and emotional coping skills need to be assessed by health care providers. These aspects of ones personality can have as great an effect on health as illness and genetic makeup.
• Seniors need to be given the opportunities to express their beliefs and gain strength and healing from those beliefs. Offer opportunities to seniors that enable them to gain strength from their beliefs.