Fourteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Civic participation is related to better health, economic, and social benefits for older adults. However, this literature has failed to recognize and study the experiences of civic participation among minority older adults. Particularly, little has been said about the role of spirituality and religion in how older adults decide to participate and the meaning they draw from their civic experiences. Thirty-four in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Latine immigrant and Black older adults (ages 60+) living in New Jersey and New York City. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and the Intersectional Life Course Perspective was used to better understand spiritual and religious experiences and beliefs in the civic participation of older adults. Several themes emerged from this analysis. The first, civic participation is an expression of spiritual and religious beliefs. The second, one’s spiritual connection and religious practice can inform how, why, and when to get involved civically. Lastly, older adults engage in civic participation to strengthen or advance their spiritual paths and religious beliefs. This study provides us an opportunity to expand our vision of civic participation from activities people do to the way in which people live.