Spirituality is all about connecting with a being greater than you, or as the National Wellness Institute puts it, “the search for meaning and purpose in human existence.” For some Africans in the diaspora, spiritual practices are the last piece of their identity that has survived for centuries. Several studies have shown that the Black community is the most religious racial group in America. Up to 83% of individuals in our community believe in the existence of God, and as many as 91% say that religion is an important part of their lives.
But spirituality is more than just belief—it’s often action-oriented. In other words, it goes beyond professing to implementation.
Faith and spirituality play a multifaceted role in the Black community; serving as a source of resilience to those diagnosed with terminal diseases like HIV to helping people cope with mental health issues—and other similar illnesses where stigma may not allow them to speak up.
But, what about aging? Does this deep-rooted devotion to a higher power have a positive impact on how we age?
The link between faith, spirituality, and aging
Aging is affected by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the former includes genetics and cellular process which are usually not under our control while the latter includes lifestyle environmental factors, socioeconomic status, social support, and stress which are fairly under our control. Faith and spirituality directly influence some of these extrinsic factors.
Lifestyle
Diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleep patterns directly impact the aging process. On the other hand, a lot of people in our community fast for spiritual reasons. However, this can also help with weight loss and blood sugar management. Studies using animal models have shown that fasting may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, two neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging.
Some religious denominations preach against smoking and alcohol consumption—both of which have been proven to accelerate the aging process. Some spiritual exercise involves going on long walks or dancing which also serves as a form of exercise for their members. Adhering strictly to these religious beliefs and practices help the members of such denominations to live healthier lives.
Social support
Building strong social connections can positively affect aging by improving quality of life. According to studies, older adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure and heart diseases. It has also been proven to reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.
Spirituality is mostly practiced as a community where the members are encouraged to know each other and form bonds like prayer partners. This bond starts as camaraderie but often lasts throughout life, with the members supporting each other physically and spiritually along the way.
Stress
Chronic stress has been shown to accelerate the aging process and also increase the risk of developing age-related illnesses. Some spiritual exercises often involve unloading the members’ burdens on their maker. Consequently, some members of our community have reported feeling lighter or less burdened by a particular problem after such spiritual exercises.
Also, spirituality in Black communities is often a tool for emotional modulation. It is usually the motivation that drives many to volunteer or participate in community service, which can protect against stress.
Spiritual activities that positively impact aging
The benefits of spiritual activities in Black communities are more pronounced among older adults. It doesn’t only help them to destress but also fills them with a sense of purpose and help them cope with losses or feel a sense of connection. Spirituality and faith in Black communities come in different forms, including:
- Prayer: Group prayers give a sense of connection or comfort and reduce the feeling of isolation. It can help aging Black adults deal with losses or frustrations. According to research, prayer can help older adults adjust to the emotional, physical, and psychological changes that come with aging
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Studies have shown that mindful practices improve cognitive functions, lower stress and anxiety, and enhance overall well-being in older adults. Also, focusing on the present helps to alleviate pain and improve sleep quality
- Fasting: Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can slow down the aging process and lower the risk of age-related diseases. As we highlighted earlier, it can also help with weight loss and managing obesity and its related complications
- Devotion: Just like prayer, devotion can provide a sense of community, purpose, and connection to something bigger than oneself. This can help older adults deal with negative feelings like loneliness and isolation, or help them find purpose and cultivate positive relationships
- Adoration: This sometimes involves repeated movements that can count as a form of exercise. Additionally, they provide a sense of purpose, social support, and help individuals cope with losses
For members of our community, continuing these practices is a meaningful way to preserve and honor our culture. What are your thoughts on spirituality? Do you think we missed out any important aspect of the topic? Join the conversation and share your perspective with us.
For More Reading
How Can Church Positively Impact Mental Health. https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/how-church-can-positively-impact-mental-health/
Race, Ethnicity, Religious Affiliation, and Education Are Associated with Gay and Bisexual Men’s Religious and Spiritual Participation and Beliefs: Results from the One Thousand Strong Cohort. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5581734/
Finding a Support Network After an HIV Diagnosis. https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/finding-a-support-network-after-an-hiv-diagnosis/
How Spirituality Affects Mental Health. https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/how-spirituality-affects-mental-health/
Intermittent fasting and caloric restriction ameliorate age-related behavioral deficits in the triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17306982/
Dietary restriction and 2-deoxyglucose administration improve behavioral outcome and reduce degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in models of Parkinson’s disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10398297/
Spirituality and Aging. https://www.whereyoulivematters.org/resources/spirituality-and-aging/
Is Type 3 Diabetes Real? https://www.elevateblackhealth.com/is-type-3-diabetes-real/
