1. GERN 474 – Maria Claver & Casey Goeller Alma Madrid  Lisa Medrano  Kim Pham Michelle Prado  Lorrie Russell April 5 th, 2010

2.  Definition – sensitivity or attachment to religious values.  Question: How does spiritual belief influence attitudes about aging in individuals of Mexican heritage?

3.  Six questions survey conducted in Los Angeles County and Mexico.  Disagree or Agree questions.  Questions touched on the topics of influences of spirituality and aging.

4.  2 Males & 3 Females.  Age range is between 53 – 72 years old.  4/5 Live in Los Angeles County 1 Live in Mexico.  2/5 Reside in South Gate; 2/5 Reside in Los Angeles; 1/5 Reside in Mexico.

5.  My spiritual beliefs help me cope with my own aging process.  4 Agree.  1 Disagree (Male respondent 64 yrs old).

6.  Spiritual beliefs help older adults cope with their own aging process.  Beliefs allow older adults to accept aging on a spiritual/mental level.

7.  I am as spiritual now as I was when I was younger.  1 Agree (Female respondent 72 yrs old).  4 Disagree.

8.  The oldest participant agreed that she is as spiritual now as when I was younger.  94 % Catholic.  Environment can be an influencer.

9.  My spiritual beliefs make me cultivate factors that make my life more meaningful.  2 Agree.  3 Disagree.

10.  Spirituality help to cultivate, develop, enhance factors.  Unique individual’s perception.

11.  My spirituality has connected me with a network of peers.  1 Agree (Female respondent – 69 yrs old).  4 Disagree.

12.  One Female respondent in South Gate felt she is connected to a network.  Mobility or physical issues.  Both males (age 53 & 69) did not believe that spirituality connected them with a network of peers.  Males may not be more open to communicating with others about aging or spirituality.

13.  My spiritual beliefs make me more optimistic about my aging even in illness.  5 Agree.  0 Disagree.

14.  All respondents agree that spiritual belief makes them more optimistic about aging even in illness.  Positive outlook about aging.  Turns to faith during times of illness.

15.  The following are my spiritual practices:  Prayer/Religion  4 out of 5  Meditation  0 out of 5  Relaxation  1 out of 5  Hope  1 out of 5  Connecting with Nature  1 out of 5

16.  Connection with nature by individual living in Mexico.  All the ladies practiced prayer & religion.

18.  Spirituality does let individuals cope with illness and aging.  Older adults have an optimistic point of view to aging in connection to their faith.