The influence of spirituality on the quality of life of the elderly in the domestic and institutional environment

Abstract

Spirituality is a multi-dimensional concept that directs human life, increases with age and affects the quality of life. With this research, we wanted to find out the impact of spirituality on the quality of life and whether prayer can have an influence on the prevention of loneliness of elderly people in the domestic and institutional environment. The research is based on a quantitative method. The survey involved 656 elderly people in the domestic and institutional environment. To obtain data on the quality of life, we used the standardized WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire of the World Health Organization, while for obtaining data on loneliness the Oldwellactive questionnaire was used (A self-rated wellness profile for the assessment of wellbeing and wellness activity in older people). We found out that elderly people do not feel lonely and that they somewhat feel lonelier in the institutional environment (AV = 3.71) than in the home environment (AV = 3.90). We have also found out that people who pray are mostly those who feel lonely more often and who have an esteemed lower quality of life. Prayer does not affect the prevention of loneliness. The spiritual factor is the most important factor that affects the quality of life for the elderly people.