ABSTRACT
Adoption of a spiritual belief system can involve putting oneself in the hands of a higher power bigger than the self, and in touch with priorities that are beyond immediate physical concerns. While spiritual belief is a complex and multifaceted construct, there are certain common assumptions in the literature about its status as a universal human characteristic. From a spiritual perspective, the ageing body becomes the medium through which, chrysalis-like, self-awareness is both achieved and left behind. An important factor of spirit as an idiom for ageing is that it does not attempt to ignore or deny important experiences that occur with respect to vulnerability and lack. While spiritual development takes place over time, ageing is a secondary consequence of this progress, measured against an unchanging ideal. Recognising a spiritual dimension to adult ageing allows a reinterpretation of the meaning of ageing as experienced and for adaptation to take place to a state of personal finitude.
