Ageing outcomes in women and men in Ireland: the role of the religious social context

Abstract

Aim & background: The aim of this thesis is to explore how the religious social context in Ireland has helped shape the health and ageing outcomes of older women and men. Understanding the factors behind the ability to maintain physical, cognitive and psychosocial wellbeing is crucial in the context of rapidly aging populations. Research recognises differences in health trajectories for men and women, but there is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind the role of gender in ageing. Within the Irish context, the impact of social and individual religiosity on women's social roles and ageing outcomes are particularly important. The effects of religiosity on health have been widely studied, but little consensus exists on the pathways that link religiosity and ageing. Methods: Four studies were conducted using nationally representative data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Data was analysed using multilevel modelling techniques to longitudinally test causal relationships between religious belief and practice, parity and ageing outcomes in older Irish men and women. A fifth study combined quantitative data from TILDA with qualitative data from Irish women aged 65 and over. Qualitative data was collected to complement and further illuminate results from the quantitative phase in a mixed methods analysis of wellbeing in later life. Results: Findings of both quantitative and qualitative data showed that religion and the religious social context are associated with health in late life through complex pathways. Religious attendance in those who are religious was found to be the factor most strongly associated with health. More frequent religious attendance was associated with lower mortality risk, lower depressive symptoms and higher wellbeing. Results for a link between religious attendance and physical function and cognition were inconclusive. Qualitative data suggested the positive associations of religious attendance may be explained by social connectedness and psychological benefits. However, qualitative data also illustrated possible negative effects of religiosity in Ireland. Conclusion: Religious involvement in those who are religious is likely to be related to health outcomes through social connectedness and other factors which support physical and mental health in Ireland.