Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 12(3), October 2011, pp.141-151.
Publisher:
Emerald
... and “popular culture” to highlight the intensity of the dialogue. He believes that considering the perspectives of a variety of major belief systems assists in relating to and caring for the increasing diversity of older people and their carers. As the discourse around assisted dying, belief systems and dignity come more to the fore, staff in health and social care will need time to discuss what the crucial
This paper offers an overview of various views of spirituality in relation to dying and death. The author discusses the content and import of a conference held in partnership between Staffordshire University and The National Spirituality and Mental Health Forum on the importance of considering life in the context of human mortality, and the meaning and purpose of our lives. This was one of a series of conferences on the theme of health and multi-belief systems. The conference and its format, including case studies is placed within current debates concerning the meaning of life in the context of death, what might be beyond “the grave” and the issue of assisted dying. In the light of this the author brings into the paper not just philosophical writings but also examples from novels and “popular culture” to highlight the intensity of the dialogue. He believes that considering the perspectives of a variety of major belief systems assists in relating to and caring for the increasing diversity of older people and their carers. As the discourse around assisted dying, belief systems and dignity come more to the fore, staff in health and social care will need time to discuss what the crucial issues are for those they serve.
Subject terms:
multicultural approach, religions, spirituality, dignity, dying, end of life care, ethnicity, euthanasia;