Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide a critical perspective on the needs of aging Muslims by focusing on a diverse group of older adults including those with ancestry from African American, South Asian, Arab, and Albanian origins. Four focus group discussions were conducted with adults aged 60+ recruited from four Muslim centers in the metro-Detroit area. Grounded analysis uncovered themes related to needs, strengths and challenges in the Muslim community, as well as suggestions for the way forward in addressing aging issues. Needs identified include quality of life and social relations. Strengths included references to tradition and scripture. Challenges named referred to conflict both within and outside of the family. Finally, the way forward consisted of the desire for options to support aging families within the community, often in small steps, though not necessarily only through mosques. Findings also suggested that women may be a key agent of change within the Muslim community. In sum, this study uncovered areas of overlap and at times disagreement between and within groups, underlining the fact that there is no one kind of Muslim aging, and that any approach to caring for Muslims must combine cultural sensitivity with flexibility in order to minimize anxiety and stress for both elders and their families.
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This research was supported by a grant from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU). The authors of this research are fully responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect views of the funding source.
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Ajrouch, K.J., Fakhoury, N. Assessing needs of aging Muslims: A focus on metro-Detroit faith communities. Cont Islam 7, 353–372 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-013-0240-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-013-0240-4