Ageing, disability, and spirituality : addressing the challenge of disability in later life

This collection examines theological and ethical issues of ageing, disability and spirituality, with an emphasis on how ageing affects people who have mental health and developmental disabilities. The book presents ways of moving towards more effective relationships between carers and older people with disabilities; ways in which to connect compassionately and beneficially with the person's spiritual dimension. The contributors highlight the importance of recognizing the personhood of all people regardless of age and of disability, whatever form it takes. They identify factors inherent in personhood and provide ways of affirming and promoting spiritual well-being for older people with disabilities. Valuable reading for practitioners in aged care, healthcare, chaplaincy, social and pastoral care, and diversional therapists, this book will also be of interest to older people, their families and friends. The Contributors To This Text Examine The Theological And Ethical Issues Of Ageing, Disability And Spirituality, With An Emphasis On How Ageing Affects People Who Have Mental Health And Developmental Disabilities. Introduction : Ageing, Disability, And Spirituality / Elizabeth Mackinlay -- Remembering The Person : Theological Reflections On God, Personhood, And Dementia / John Swinton -- Ethics, Ageing, And Disability / Laurence Mcnamara -- New And Old Challenges Of Ageing : Disabilities, Spirituality, And Pastoral Responses / Elizabeth Mackinlay -- The Particular Needs Of Older People With Intellectual Disabilities And Their Carers : A Perspective From The Experience Of L'arche / Eileen Glass -- Better Dead Than Disabled? : When Ethics And Disability Meet : A Narrative Of Ageing, Loss, And Exclusion / Christopher Newell -- Disabled Or Enabled : Ethical And Theological Issues For Dementia Care / Rosalie Hudson -- On Relationships Not Things : Exploring Disability And Spirituality / Lorna Hallahan -- Scriptural Reminiscence And Narrative Gerontology : Jacob's Wrestling With The Unknown (genesis 32) / Matthew Anstey -- Tracing Rainbows Through The Rain : Addressing The Challenge Of Dementia In Later Life / Malcolm Goldsmith -- Dementia : A Journey Inwards To A Spiritual Self / Christine Bryden And Elizabeth Mackinlay -- Bodhi, Karuna, And Metta : Buddhist Perspectives For A Theology Of Pastoral Care For The Ageing And Persons With Disabilities / Ruwan Palapathwala -- Who Is God In The Pit Of Ashes? : The Interplay Of Faith And Depression In Older Age / Dagmar Ceramidas -- Hearing The Voice Of The Elderly : The Potential For Choir Work To Reduce Depression And Meet Spiritual Needs : A Pilot Study / Kirstin Robertson-gillam -- Humour And Its Link To Meaning And Spirituality In War / Carmen Moran -- Pastoral Rituals, Ageing, And New Paths Into Meaning / Alan Niven -- Ageing, Disability And Spirituality : The Possibilities For Well-being And Care / Elizabeth Mackinlay. Edited By Elizabeth Mackinlay. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 240-257) And Indexes.