Health and social care practitioners are increasingly called upon to provide care to elderly people from a number of different faiths and cultures. This collection of essays examines ageing in the context of the many faiths and cultures that make up Western society, and provides carers with the knowledge they need to deliver sensitive and appropriate care to people of all faiths. Chapters are written by authoritative figures from each of the world's major faith groups about the beliefs and practices of their older people. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist perspectives are covered, as well as those of ageing veterans and ageing religious sisters. Issues of appropriate care are also addressed, and the book includes recommendations for policy and practice. This accessible and inspiring book will be a useful text for academics, policy makers and practitioners in health and social care, aged care workers, pastoral carers, chaplains and religious professionals, in hospital, residential and other care settings.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. Preface. 1. Ageing and Spirituality: Living and Being in Multifaith and Multicultural Communities, Elizabeth MacKinlay, Charles Sturt University, Australia. 2. The Interrelationship of Spirituality, Culture and Community in International Perspective, James Haire, Charles Sturt University, Australia. 3. The Cultural Diversity of Older Australians, Ingrid Seebus and Ann Peut, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia. 4. The Ageing Spirit, Rachael Kohn, ABC Radio National, Australia. 5. Friends and Neighbours: Pastoral Care and Ageing in Christian Perspective, Elizabeth MacKinlay, Charles Sturt University, Australia. 6. From Ageing to Sage-ing: Judaism and Ageing, Jeffrey Cohen, University of New South Wales, Australia. 7. Dorothy, Oodgeroo and Blackfella Ageing: The Role of Spirituality When You're Short on Culture and Can't Find Your Red Shoes, Dennis McDermott, Flinders University, Australia. 8. An Islamic Perspective on Ageing and Spirituality, Mohammad Abdalla, Griffith University, Australia, and Ikebal Mohammed Adam Patel, Muslims Australia, Australian Capital Territory Muslim Advisory Council, Malek Fahd Islamic School and Islamic School of Canberra, Australia. 9. The Spiritual Needs of the Aged and Dying: A Buddhist Perspective, Subhana Barzaghi, Sydney Zen Centre, Australia. 10. Dying: An Approach to Care from Hindu and Buddhist Perspectives, Amy Rayner, University of Melbourne, Australia, and Purushottama Bilimoria, Deakin University, University of Melbourne, Australia, and State University of New York and Columbia University, USA. 11. Orthodox Faith: A Lively Spirit for Older People, Rosalie Hudson, Charles Sturt University and University of Melbourne, Australia. 12. Cultural Diversity in Aged Care: A Showcase of Services Tailored to Meet the Physical, Cultural and Spiritual Needs of People of Greek Origin, Robyn Simmonds and Rev. Fr. Nicholas Stavropoulos, St. Basil's Homes, Australia. 13. Spiritual Well-being for Older People, Ann Harrington, Flinders University, Australia. 14. Integrated Support for Veterans in Aged Care Homes, Tracey T.A. McDonald, Australian Catholic University, Australia. 15. On the Road to Emmaus: Ageing Religious Sisters, A Group with Specific Spiritual and Cultural Needs, Gabrielle Brian, Charles Sturt University, Australia 16. Promoting High Quality Care, Elizabeth Pringle, Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency, Australia. 17. The Search Conference Process in Ageing and Spiritual and Pastoral Care: Directions for the Future, Elizabeth MacKinlay, Charles Sturt University, Australia. Contributors. References.