Spirit & Purpose in Whole-Person Aging

This 6-hour evidence-based continuing education course examines the spiritual and purposive dimensions of whole-person aging within long-term care settings. Drawing on the Strategic Longevity Planning Framework developed by Min Cole, Ph.D., the course addresses Spiritual Span and Purpose Span, using paired case studies from the author's professional practice to examine why individuals facing identical diagnoses or life transitions experience dramatically different outcomes — and what role meaning, purpose, and spiritual engagement play. Participants learn to differentiate the seven dimensions of Spiritual Span and four elements of Purpose Span, identify evidence-based assessment approaches, and implement programming strategies that support residents' spiritual and purposive needs across diverse cultural backgrounds, with specific application to multicultural and underserved resident populations.