Keeping the Faith in Late Life

Based on Eisenhandler's qualitative research study of men and women, sixty years and older, this volume provides a sociological narrative of religious belief that has been sustained and sometimes changed over the course of life.

Through extensive interviews, Eisenhandler explores older adults' personal engagement with religion, the role of socialization in retaining faith in late life, and the extent to which older adults participate in religious behavior and find religious beliefs relevant to their present life. Questions at the core of Eisenhandler's research include: Do older adults today find such good company in the sacred or avail themselves of it?; What social behavior is consonant with keeping faith as part of life?; Is religion an anchor for the self-identity of older adults?; How does religion fit into people's worlds as their lives draw to a close?