Religious studies attempt to discover the meaning in life through seeking and maintaining a strong relationship with God. Scientific studies confirm this association by illustrating the evidence of meaning in life in wellness and healthcare outcomes. In the article “Religion, Meaning in Life, and Change in Physical Functioning During Late Adulthood,” Krause and Hayward (2012) performed statistical experiments on religious older adults who regularly attend church services and uphold Christian practices that strengthen their relationship with the Creator. The researchers used numerous mathematical and statistical approaches, including chi-square (X2), maximum likelihood, and lines of best fit. The Chi-square test particularly plays a significant role in establishing the relationship between meaning in life and overall wellness. The correlation between the two factors resulted in a chi-square score of 421.765 with 147 degrees of freedom, at p <.000 ascertaining the influence of meaning in life on improved wellness (Krause & Hayward, 2012). The test indicates a strong positive relationship between the two, making it an ideal tool for formulating relationships.
In addition to confirming the contribution of meaning in life to improved wellness among older adults, the study provides the reasons to uphold faith and life in God due to the overall fulfillment it generates. The research commences by outlining the elderly population’s search for meaning in life after encountering psychological and social vacuum due to the inability to enjoy previously fun activities (Krause & Hayward, 2012). As a result, adults attend church services more often than the younger population due to the latter’s distraction from the pleasure and bustle of life. However, not all adults seek religious fulfillment since some do not feel the need, make the connection, or feel contented. The group that seeks meaning in life through religion finds fulfillment since it focuses on helping others ease their concerns and worries. Research shows that the absence of worries calms the mind and prevents mental disorders frequently reported among the elderly population. According to Krause and Hayward (2012), psychological studies reveal that mental wellness eases physical health problems and promotes healthy living. Consequently, an article like this provides the reason to uphold faith in God and live according to its will.
Undeniably, the published research has the potential to change and improve lives to glorify God since it outlines the practical outcomes of faith in Him. Specifically, older religious adults show little concern for worldly pleasures and unnecessary worries, which are the prime influencers of ill-health, especially at old age. Their compassion yields confidence in God and, in turn, sharpens their mental wellness to prevent physical ailments (Krause & Hayward, 2012). Before reaching old age, people live an interrupted lifestyle that causes chaos in the external and internal environments, which determines their wellness. Changing the lifestyle and living a life that glorifies God eradicate these confusions and build coherence between beliefs and the physical body to promote well-being. Therefore, people have the opportunity to improve their health conditions by believing and developing a strong relationship with Him.
Overall, scientific studies affirm the connection between meaning in life through religion and physical well-being due to the change of perception. Older adults encountering psychological and social vacuum often seek a relationship with the Creator and report tremendous health benefits. Their reduced concern for worldly turbulences protects their brain, leading to mental wellness, which, in turn, promotes physical health. People can emulate this approach by glorifying God to ease their worries and eradicate traumas associated with mental and physical ill-health.
Reference
Krause, N., & Hayward, R. D. (2012). Religion, meaning in life, and change in physical functioning during late adulthood. Journal of Adult Development, 19, 158-169. Web.