Spirituality and Psychological Well-being of Elderly: Gender Perspective

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the differences in the level of spirituality and psychological well-being among institutionalized and non- institutionalized elderly (above 65 years of age) across gender. The study was based on the sample of 200 respondents: Institutionalized elderly (n1=100) drawn from the Society Registration Act (SRA) recognized old age homes of Uttarakhand through census method and equivalent sample of non-institutionalized elderly (n2=100) drawn through lottery method from the nearby localities adjacent to the old age homes. The level of spirituality and psychological well-being was assessed through standardized scales. The findings of the study revealed that females irrespective of residential setting were found to have higher levels of spirituality whereas males irrespective of residential setting were found to have significantly higher level of psychological well-being.