Spirituality and Health: Perceptions of Older Women in a Rural Senior High Rise

The purpose of this study was to examine the essence of spirituality and health in older women living in a rural senior high-rise apartment building. The researchers used a phenomenological research design and interviewed 10 women 65 years of age and older. Data analysis using Colaizzi's (1978) method for analysis revealed three themes-health is functional and provides a sense of wholeness; the relationship with God or a higher power is a personal one; and death is a part of life. The three themes create an essential structure, which influences the way the participants live. These findings provide information for nurses on the spiritual needs of older women and how the experiences of living in a high rise affect spirituality and health.