As an issue, religion has particular relevance for older people, given that they generally devote more time and energy to religious or spiritual matters (although, of course, there are many older people who do not subscribe to any kind of religion or spiritual movement).

Time to think
The reasons for this age-related increase in religious involvement are twofold, according to Dr Harold G Koenig, co-director of the Centre for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University in the US, who has published extensively on the subject. “People have more time on their hands, without as many distractions to prevent them from confronting the reality of their mortality. They also have more to cope with – illness, death of loved ones etc.”

The multiple health benefits associated with religious or spiritual activities must come as good news to the many among the older generations who have such a dimension to their lives. There can be little doubt about it; countless studies testify to the better physical and psychological well-being of believers (whatever their particular belief might be). This includes, in physical terms, lower rates of heart disease, blood pressure problems, chronic pain, emphysema, stroke, kidney failure and cancer, and, in psychological terms, improved mood and lower rates of chronic anxiety and depression.

The evidence is such that some doctors, particularly in the US, are asking patients about their spiritual or religious practices in an effort to better understand how they (or the lack of such practices) could be affecting their health. One reason put forward for lower depression rates is that feelings of hopelessness tend to be lessened in people who believe in some kind of concerned God.

There have also been some opposing research findings, such as the one that argued depression and low self-esteem are more likely in religious individuals. However, such conclusions are firmly in the minority and few now refute the existence of a religion/health link or that religious/spiritual people are generally healthier and happier than non-believers.

Lifestyle factors
What has sparked debate, however, is whether such health benefits are the result of belief per se or a happy consequence of the positive lifestyle factors often associated with religious or spiritual people. Such factors can vary, depending on the belief in question, but may include dietary restrictions, abstinence from drugs or alcohol and avoidance of risky sexual practices. There is also the all-important social element that is common to most religions and spiritual movements, which undoubtedly offers people benefits above and beyond the spiritual fulfillment they expect.

However, according to Koenig, while lifestyle and social support are important, they only go part of the way towards explaining the power of religion to confer well-being. If this is the case, then the question remains: what is it about religion that tips the balance between the believers and the non-believers?

“Religious belief – particularly belief in a personal God who loves people and responds to their requests – gives people meaning and purpose in life, hope in circumstances of loss/trauma and a sense of control over their lives,” says Koenig. “This, along with the view that there is life after death, enables people to cope better with the most difficult of life experiences.”

However, a note of caution for the non-religious or ambivalent among you who are now considering a long overdue trip to Mass in the hope of reaping some health benefits; if your heart isn’t in it, you’re unlikely to meet with success.

“The health benefits of religion are the natural result of religion pursued for religion’s sake,” says Koenig. “If better health is the only reason for religious involvement, then it probably will not have any benefits – or at least not the benefits it has for those who pursue religion as an end in itself.”