Older the person is, the more likely they are to attend to religious services. However, there are two exceptions to this pattern – the under 15s and the over 65s.

The Under 15s – more likely than any other age groups because of their parents. The Over 65s – more likely to be sick/disabled. Higher death rates also make this a smaller group.

Voas and Crockett say there are two main sorts of explanation for age differences in religion: The Ageing Effect and The Generational Effect

The Ageing Effect The view that people turn to religion as they get older. For example, using evidence from the Kendal Project, Heelas argues people become more interested in spirituality as they get older. As we get closer to death, we naturally become more concerned about spiritual matters and the afterlife.

The Generational Effect This is idea that, as society becomes more secular, each new generation is less religious than the one before. More old people attend church, than young people, as they grew up at a time when religion was more popular.

Voas and Crockett argue that the generational effect is the most significant of the two. They claim that each generation is half as religious as their parents.

30% of churchgoers are now over 65 30% of churchgoers are now over 65. Bruce predicts this trend will continue to rise and it wont be long until these become the majority. Pentecostal Church is the only exception to this trend, as it continues to attract younger members.

There is a decline in religious education and school assemblies are more secular than religious.

Young people are less likely to admit that they are religious unless they are young Muslims. Religion is declining in attraction amongst young people as they see it as being ‘boring, traditional and uncool’. They also are likely to not believe in religious answers.

The interest of older people in religion can be explained in three ways: Disengagement – detached from society so seek religion as support Religious socialisation – more likely to have had a religious upbringing. Ill health and death – religion offers comfort, coping strategies, meaning and support.

Gill notes: children are no longer receiving a religious socialisation, and those brought up without these beliefs are less likely to be churchgoers later in life. If so, it is likely that within two generations, Christian beliefs will only be held by a small minority.