Health Perception and Health Behaviors of Elder Tibetans Living in India and Switzerland

Wangmo, T. (2011). Health perception and health behaviors of elder Tibetans living in India and Switzerland. Cross Cultural Gerontol. 26: 331-348.

·          Many believed that engaging in religious activities was just as important for their health as practicing healthy behaviors. Gyaltsen, a man aged 92, stressed, “Religion and culture have positive influence on health because prayers prevent illness. Also, prayer brings prosperity. Thus, for good health, timely consultations with doctors and prayer are [both] necessary” (p. 341).

  

      In a study on health perceptions of Tibetan elders, all 30 participants reported a “sense of happiness” acquired from living in a Tibetan community while exiled in India (Wangmo, 2011, p. 339).  They feel support from their continued ability to practice their cultural traditions privately and publically.  They also reported a sense of community in being able to turn to their neighbors for support and help, which in turn positively affects the elders’ emotional health.  Many participants in the study perceived religion plays just as a great a role in health as does “practicing healthy behaviors” (Wangmo, 2011, p. 341).  Religion helps these individuals understand their current position in life and the position they will have in their life to come.  It helps them have an understanding of karma, which adds meaning to a seemingly bad situation in their life.  Faithfully practicing their religion is thought to improve many areas of the Tibetans lives’: mental, physical, spiritual, etc.