Research has consistently shown that attending church services, praying, and engaging in religious activities can significantly improve mental health in older adults. Studies indicate that regular participation in religious activities is associated with lower rates of depression, higher levels of life satisfaction, and better overall mental health.
For instance, a study conducted by the London School of Economics and Erasmus MC found that joining a religious organization had a more substantial impact on mental health than other social activities such as charity work or sports. The study highlighted that attending religious services provided sustained happiness and helped keep depression at bay, especially during periods of illness in later life (LSE).
Additionally, research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shown that regular attendance at religious services is linked to a greater sense of social support, meaning, and purpose, which are crucial factors in maintaining mental health. This study found that people who attended services regularly had lower rates of depression and were better able to cope with life’s challenges compared to those who did not attend (Undeceptions).
Moreover, an analysis by Law and Sbarra demonstrated that older adults who consistently attended church had lower levels of depressed mood over time. Their research indicated that while those who never attended church initially reported lower levels of depression, they experienced a more rapid increase in depressive symptoms as they aged compared to regular churchgoers (Reasons to Believe).
In contrast, congregants who value religion but do not attend services regularly tend to have poorer mental health outcomes. The lack of regular participation in communal worship and the associated social support and sense of community may contribute to higher levels of depression and a weaker ability to manage stress and other mental health issues (Reasons to Believe) (Undeceptions).
Overall, these findings underscore the significant mental health benefits of regular religious participation for older adults and highlight the potential risks of not engaging in communal religious activities despite valuing religion.
-Lê Duy Tâm-