Does the intensity of religiosity and spirituality in later life improve mental well-being? Evidence from India

ABSTRACT The present study has investigated the multidimensional aspects of religion, spirituality, and mental well-being among Indian older adults in later life. After controlling for socioeconomic and health factors, it was found that those who practiced spirituality almost daily were 20% less likely to be depressed compared to their counterparts. Similarly, the adjusted likelihood of reported low cognitive functional health was less for those who almost daily practiced spirituality (OR = 0.82; p = <0.001) and religiosity (OR = 0.55; p = <0.001) compared to those who never practiced. However, religiosity and spirituality had significant effect on mental well-being. Further research is needed to elucidate these findings.