Faith and prayer improve well-being
It doesn’t matter if you’re a believer, a former believer or a non-believer, if you’re 65 or older and you pray and have faith in a higher power, you’re going to have greater well-being. If you perceive G-d as merciful and intimate, you’ll experience more benefit than if you view G-d as being demanding and distant. Prayer isn’t for everyone and some people might have adverse side effects. If you’re older and experiencing declining health, maybe even age discrimination, increased stress, a loss of friends or family and a loss of financial or personal freedom, then you’re in the group who benefits the most from praying to a loving G-d. Older people, approaching the end of their lives, may see this time as a chance to make amends with G-d, just as they might with a friend. Engaging with a loving and all-powerful G-d brings comfort to the lives of our elders.
