The impact of religion on older housebound persons living in the Maltese community

Abstract

Background: While a significant number of older persons lead an independent lifestyle, many older persons are confined to their homes due to disabilities. Although religion plays a central role in the lives of many older persons, and has been identified as a significant coping mechanism for older persons, especially during times of stress and crisis, there is dearth of research, both international and local, on the impact of religion on older housebound persons. The confinement experienced by older housebound persons often poses challenges to practicing religion, as they are unable to do so in the same manner as before. Aims: To date, no local research on the impact of religion on older housebound persons has been carried out. This study aimed to explore how older housebound persons practice religion within the confines of their homes. This study also aimed to gain an understanding of whether older housebound persons turn to religious coping when faced with stressful life circumstances and explored whether religious coping impacts positively or negatively the lives of older housebound persons living in the community. Method: A qualitative research approach was used to gain insight into the impact of religion on older housebound persons living in the Maltese community. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was applied to provide detailed examinations of the lived experiences of this particular cohort of persons. Purposeful sampling through which participants who were knowledgeable about this area of the study were identified, and was utilised for this study. A pilot study was carried out with one participant, and since no adjustments were needed to the Interview Guide, the pilot interview was included in the main study. In total, four semi-structured face-to-face interviews were held at the residential homes of the older person participants. Results: After data analysis, 4 superordinate themes emerged, namely (a) personal religious practices, (b) emotional and interpersonal dimensions, (c) social and community engagement, and (d) technological influence. Respective subordinate themes emerged. It was found that all older person participants engaged in their own personal and individual religious practices, and relied on religion as a vital coping mechanism. Since all participants valued the ability to actively participate in their religion prior to their confinement, all older person participants yearned for the religious support they once enjoyed. This study also uncovered that older person participants often endure feelings of loneliness and isolation, whilst noting limitations from both family and clergy in assisting their religious practice. Additionally, all participants utilised traditional means of technology to engage in religious activities, such as listening to mass on television. Conclusion: There were findings which were similar to other limited studies abroad, especially with regards to personal religious practices, turning to God for support, particularly during difficult times, religion as a positive coping mechanism, religion as helping you form part of a community, the isolation experienced by the older person participants, as well as the use of technology to practice religion from the confines of their homes. Recommendations were made for future research to focus on other religions, to carry out larger-scale studies, as well as to focus on the gender differences attributed to the impact of religion on older housebound persons. Suggestions were also put forward to clergy members, transportation services, and local councils with the aim of facilitating and enhancing the lives of older housebound persons, whilst fostering their integration into society and reducing feelings of isolation.