Holistic Well-Being: Elderly Physically Ill but not Mentally Ill Buddhist Psychology Style

Abstract

         This article aims to highlight the importance of applying the teachings of the Lord Buddha, which have existed for more than 2,600 years and the theory of psychology that has the means of creating positive ways of thinking and been accepted by the general public, which will be integrated together into a new concept called Buddhist Psychology. It uses both Buddhist Principles and Psychological theories to enhance happiness and recognize suffering with a heart that understands nature. This new knowledge aims to promote holistic well-being for the elderly who will be aware of the changes that occur in the various stages of life, so, they will be able to develop the mind that accepts and recognizes the changes in their body. Or known as when the body is sick, but the mind is not sick. This approach can bring happiness to the elderly. Holistic Well-Being, which attempts to treat both the body and the mind, is the state of happiness through which many elements come together, which including physical, mental, social, emotional and intellectual. These elements allow the elderly to be happy even, if their bodies are suffering from deterioration brought about by the changes from an increasing age.

         It is the author’s belief that this may help the elderly those who are already physically ill, or those who may wish to first study this concept, even though they may not be ill as yet. This philosophy integrates the principles of Buddhism and Psychology, because illness, aging and death are common to everyone, and an inescapable fact of life.