Spirituality: the Hindu perspective from a gerontologist’s viewpoint

ABSTRACT The article focuses on synthesising spirituality and the gerontology perspective, with Hindu concepts and the search for meaning and purpose at the micro-level. Drawing from past research, empirical studies and interviews conducted in Asian communities the author applies the concepts of “karma,” “advaita” and “consciousness.” The Hindu belief that every human being has the potential to connect with the divine is discussed. The positive effects of spiritual pursuits and spiritual care are reviewed. The paper concludes with recommendations for greater self-awareness (at individual level), and mainstreaming of spirituality into psychosocial and medical care for older people.