Daily spiritual experiences of older adults with and without arthritis and the relationship to health outcomes

Objective Strategies to improve coping with chronic disease are increasingly important, especially with the aging US population. For many, spirituality serves as a source of strength and comfort. However, little is known about the prevalence of daily spiritual experiences (DSE) and how they may relate to physical and mental health. Methods We surveyed older adults age >50 years with chronic health conditions seen in a primary care setting about their DSE, health perceptions, pain, energy, and depression. Results Of 99 patients, 80% reported DSE most days and many times per day. Women had significantly lower DSE scores than men (reflecting more frequent DSE, mean ± SD 37.3 ± 15.0 versus 45.8 ± 17.5; P = 0.012). African American women reported the most frequent DSE and white men reported the least frequent DSE (mean ± SD 35.9 ± 13.6 versus 52.2 ± 19.1). Frequent DSE were significantly associated with a higher number of comorbid conditions (P = 0.003), although not with age, education, or employment status. Persons with arthritis reported significantly more DSE than those without arthritis (mean ± SD 35.2 ± 12.1 versus 47.1 ± 18.6; P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, race, sex, pain, and comorbid conditions, more frequent DSE were associated with increased energy (P < 0.009) and less depression (P < 0.007) in patients with arthritis. Conclusion DSE are common among older adults, especially those with arthritis. Increased DSE may be associated with more energy and less depression. DSE may represent one pathway through which spirituality influences mental health in older adults.