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    A national cohort study of spiritual and religious practices of older people with intellectual disability


    Timmins, Fiona, McCausland, Darren, Brennan, Damien, Sheerin, Fintan, Luus, Retha, McCallion, Philip and McCarron, Mary (2024) A national cohort study of spiritual and religious practices of older people with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 28 (2). pp. 533-548. ISSN 1744-6295

    Abstract

    Background: Spirituality and spiritual support for older people with intellectual disability are deemed important, however little is known about their specific needs. This paper reports for the first time on the religious and spiritual practices of older adults with intellectual disability. Methods: A national longitudinal study examined the prevalence of spiritual practices among older people with intellectual disability in the Republic of Ireland. Results: Older people with intellectual disability seek and receive solace from religious and spiritual practices, especially if they are lonely, in poor health, distressed or bereaved. There is likely a social benefit to spiritual and religious aspects of life that would be beneficial to explore further. Conclusions: Globally more research is required and efforts should be made to ensure greater opportunities for inclusion in societal spiritual and religious activities and to more clearly determine the spiritual needs of this population.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: intellectual disability; older people; spirituality; health;
    Academic Unit: Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Subject Areas > Science & Engineering > Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Faculty of Science & Engineering > Research Institutes > Human Health Institute
    Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Nursing
    Item ID: 21465
    Identification Number: 10.1177/17446295231163977
    Depositing User: Fintan Sheerin
    Date Deposited: 23 Apr 2026 15:23
    Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
    Publisher: Sage
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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