Learning Objective #1: develop awareness of spiritual practices used by Chinese elders

Learning Objective #2: enhance her/his ability for providing culturally sensitive care

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Spirituality has been found to be a particularly important for older adults, and positively linked to self-appraised good health among elders. However, there is little research focused on spiritual interventions/practices that are used, or could be used, to enhance spiritual care and health. Spirituality is significantly related to culture. Information regarding spiritual interventions/practices used by Chinese elders was absent in the existing literature. The purpose of the pilot study was to provide preliminary understanding about spiritual practices used among Chinese elders. Twenty-eight Chinese elders who are 65 years-old living in Taiwan were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Results show that the most frequent spiritual practices used by these Chinese elders are “recall positive memories” and “exercise” which are used by all participants. “Listening music/playing music” was used by 96% of participants. Spiritual practices/ interventions such as meditation, yoga and helping others were used by 85-89% of Chinese elders. “Reading spiritual materials” was the spiritual practices/interventions used less frequent (46.4%). Findings from this study will add to the body of knowledge about holistic nursing interventions as well as contribute to our understanding of how Chinese elders use complementary and alternative therapies in their life. These understandings may enhance nurse's capabilities of providing cultural competent spiritual health interventions for elders in the future.