Religion and spirituality of seniors in times of Covid

In addition to the direct threat to physical health, the current COVID pandemic crisis appears to have a considerable impact on mental health, well-being and quality of life. The studies published on this subject are still few in number and present rather contradictory results concerning the impact of the crisis on the psychological health of the elderly, the first and main victims. Furthermore, studies show that the crisis we are experiencing can lead to the use of religion and spirituality to try to overcome the anxieties and fears generated by the pandemic. In Switzerland, where the space granted to traditional religious institutions continues to shrink, religion and spirituality still retain an important place for a majority of the population aged 65 and over. In this context, it is fundamental to study what resources older people used during semi-confinement and are currently using to face the health crisis and what role (positive/negative) spirituality and religion have in their experience. However, to our knowledge, no Swiss study has focused on the potential impact of these dimensions on the health and well-being of older people during the current crisis. The main objective of this research project is to better understand the potential role of spirituality and religion for mental health, morale, well-being and quality of life, as perceived by people aged 65 years and over living at home, during the current pandemic crisis. Four specific goals have been defined: (1) Identify the impact of the pandemic on the mental health, morale, well-being and quality of life of people aged 65 and over; (2) Identify the resources (psychological, social, religious and spiritual) mobilized by seniors to cope and identify possible changes in religious/spiritual beliefs and practices following the current situation; (3) Deepen knowledge of the role of spirituality/religion in volunteer engagement, and more specifically in the engagement of seniors with other seniors; (4) Identify possible needs and expectations, in terms of spiritual support, of elderly people receiving home care during the current crisis and establish whether the offer provided by support systems for seniors, that they whether institutional or associative, could be improved with regard to the spiritual and religious experience of CMS clients. In order to achieve the desired objectives, the qualitative approach is favored for data collection (semi-structured interviews and focus groups). This approach seems to us to be the most appropriate for studying in depth sensitive themes such as religion and spirituality as well as those of emotions, often negative, and the experiences of elderly people in times of pandemic. In parallel with the interviews, the focus groups will allow us to address the themes in question in an interactive manner while encouraging discussion and debate. As for data analysis, a mixed and multidisciplinary approach will allow us a better understanding of the dynamics, realities and contexts linked to our problem. We thus hope to shed broad and rigorous light on the impact of the COVID crisis on elderly people living at home and the possible role (positive or negative) that religion/spirituality plays for them in coping with the current health crisis. Through this project we also hope to contribute to the reflection on what is important to put in place in the years to come in connection with policies to keep elderly people at home for as long as possible. In a society where the population is increasingly distancing itself from traditional religious institutions, it is necessary to be well aware of the expectations, in terms of spiritual support, of seniors at home (whether their mobility is intact or reduced). We also hope that the integration of seniors in research as active co-constructors of reflection and the development of solutions will not only contribute to improving the adequacy of these solutions to the reality of their daily lives, but will participate also to improve social recognition regarding their contribution to the well-being of society.