Recapturing the Power of Ritual to Enhance Community in Aging

Holly Nelson-Becker, Kimberly Sangster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Ritual returns us to the center of who we are. In times of transition, loss, disconnection, and loneliness, ritual offers transformative power. It can provide a language for expression, stability, serve an integrating force in community, mediate tradition, and offer emotional support. This article explores the need for ritual in coping with late life changes, the relationship of ritual to suffering, value of ritual in storytelling and mourning, and explains the role of witness facilitated through community. Therapeutic functions of ritual are addressed and a framework for ritual design is suggested.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalSocial Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ritual
  • aging
  • transition. loss
  • religion
  • spirituality

Disciplines

  • Social Work

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