Religious Doctrines, Existential Meaning, and Elderly Well-Being: A Comparative Study of Spiritual and Existential Care in Liberia and Sierra Leone

This study examines how Christian, Islamic, and traditional religious doctrines influence spiritual and existential care among elderly persons. Data were generated through interviews, focus groups, and observations involving elderly individuals, religious leaders, and family caregivers. A qualitative comparative analysis was conducted to examine how religious doctrines impact mystical care among ageing people; a total of 60 participants were recruited, with 30 from Liberia and 30 from Sierra Leone. Findings show that religious doctrines and rituals provide powerful frameworks for meaning-making, acceptance, and emotional peace, particularly through beliefs in salvation, divine grace, and submission to God’s will. However, religious interpretations also produced distress for some elderly individuals, especially where suffering was viewed as punishment. The study concludes religion as both a resource and a risk, calling for closer collaboration between religious institutions and social and palliative care services.