Recognition of the spirituality of ageing is one of the distinctive characteristics of Christian social services. Spirituality has been described as that which lies at the core of a person’s being, and which gives ultimate meaning to life and spiritual well-being as ‘the affirmation of life in a relationship with God, self and environment … and which nurtures and celebrates wholeness’ (quoted in our 2005 paper ‘Landscape of the Aged Care Sector’).

Faith community nursing is one way that Christian communities are offering support and care to older people. Read more in this PowerPoint presentation from our 2008 conference: What is faith community nursing?

The Selwyn Foundation in Auckland hosts the Selwyn Centre for Ageing and Spirituality (SCAS) as a New Zealand voice for the spiritual needs of older people.