%0 Journal Article
%T ˇ°The Journey I Have Been Throughˇ±: The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Aging Well Among HIV
%A Charles A. Emlet
%A Charles Furlotte
%A Christina M. Pierpaoli
%A Lesley Harris
%J Research on Aging
%@ 1552-7573
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/0164027517697115
%X The National Institutes of Health human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Aging Working Group identified spirituality as a research emphasis. This qualitative study examines the importance of religion and spirituality among 30 HIV-positive older adults. Using modified grounded theory, adults 50+ were recruited in Ontario, Canada, through AIDS service organizations, clinics, and community agencies. Descriptions of religion and spirituality encapsulated the idea of a journey, which had two components: the long-term HIV survivor profile combined with the experience of aging itself. A final category of HIV as a spiritual journey was finalized through consensus and included the properties of (1) being rejected by as well as rejection of formalized religion, (2) differentiating spirituality from religion, (3) having a connection, (4) feeling grateful, and (5) mindfulness and learning new skills. Interventions fostering resilience and strengths in HIV-positive older adults using spirituality should be considered, including the promotion of person-centered spirituality and interventions that include mindfulness and skill building
%K HIV
%K older adults
%K religion
%K spirituality
%K successful aging
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0164027517697115