Guiding Spiritual Autobiography Groups for Third and Fourth Agers

Abstract

ABSTRACT In an age when religious institutions face the graying of America on the cusp of the twenty-first century, technology offers increased longevity for third and fourth agers, but spirituality is neglected. Third agers, victims of the “retirement trap,” find spiritual needs often unmet by traditional religious structures. Fourth agers remain “outside the camp,” of churches and synagogues, and life review groups often omit the faith dimension. A group model for sharing life stories for spiritual growth facilitates spirituality and is applicable in both religious institutions and long-term care centers. Early evidence indicates that a deepened sense of identity and meaning occur in these groups.