OLDER PEOPLE’S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: A NARRATIVE INQUIRY

Abstract

This present study aims to explore the spiritual journey of older adults from childhood to later years. The study utilized a qualitative research design more specifically, a narrative approach since the study is focused on the stories told by individuals. A total of ten (10) participants from different backgrounds were asked to accomplish a spiritual life map followed by an interview at the participants’ convenient time. The collected stories were arranged in a chronological order from their childhood years to old age to restory them in a framework that makes sense. The qualitative data analysis was both the description of the story and the themes that emerge from it. The restory was divided into three parts. The first part was “Laying the Foundation” which focused on their spirituality during childhood. The second part was “Amidst the Storm”, which highlights their journey during adulthood. The last part entitled “To Flourish and Blossom” tells about their journey starting from their senior years to present including their relationship with a higher being. The identified significant themes across the life course were importance of having a religious role models or spiritual mentors to emulate and build meaningful relationships at an early age; positive and negative life events increase the person’s spirituality; and prayers and personal devotions are keys to spiritual transcendence. Therefore, introduction to spirituality can occur at any given age and all are capable of spiritual growth.