Faith in the Future

by Koenig, Harold George; Lawson, Douglas M.; McConnell, Malcolm P.

• ISBN13: 9781932031355
• ISBN10: 1932031359
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-02-01
• Publisher: Templeton Foundation Pr

Summary

Dr. Harold Koenig was recently interviewed by Newsweek(November 10, 2003) about his book Spirituality in Patient Care(Templeton Foundation Press) and his research in the area of religion and health. He has become the international voice on the subjects of spirituality, health, and aging. In this book he is joined by two other experts on aging and human development. They present a compelling look at one of the most serious issues in today's society: health care in America. How will we provide quality healthcare to older adults who will need it during the next thirty to fifty years? Who will provide this care? How will it be funded? How can we establish systems of care now to be in place as demographic and health-related economic pressures mount? Alongside the sobering reality of the challenges our country faces, there are reasons for optimism. Innovative programs created and maintained by volunteers and religious congregations are emerging as pivotal factors in meeting health care needs. Summarizing decades of scientific research and providing numerous inspirational examples and role models, the authors present practical steps that individuals and institutions may emulate for putting faith into action.

Table of Contents

Introduction	3	(10)
PART I: The Dilemma and Challenge	13	(40)
Chapter One: Our Aging Population: The Dilemma and Challenge	19	(9)
Chapter Two: Spiraling Healthcare Costs	28	(12)
Chapter Three: Healthcare Institutions: Financial Pressures, Innovative Opportunities	40	(13)
PART II: Some Solutions to Our Healthcare Crisis	53	(58)
Chapter Four: Prevention, Healthy Living, and Wellness	55	(22)
Chapter Five: Religion, Aging, and Health	77	(21)
Chapter Six: Religion and the Long Tradition of Caring for the Sick	98	(13)
PART III: The Role of Caring Communities	111	(56)
Chapter Seven: Religious Congregations and Retirement Communities as Support Networks	113	(12)
Chapter Eight: Successful Aging and Purpose-Filled Retirement: The Mutual Benefits of Volunteering	125	(25)
Chapter Nine: What "Caring" for the Elderly Truly Entails	150	(17)
PART IV: Implementing the Vision	167	(36)
Chapter Ten: The Partnership of Government, Philanthropy, and Faith-Based Communities	169	(19)
Chapter Eleven: Practical Steps for Putting Faith into Action	188	(15)
Appendix A: Contact Information	203	(3)
Appendix B: References	206	(3)
Index	209