Religiosity and Well-Being Among Hindu Elderly

This sampling strategy was designed to minimize selection bias and enhance the generalizability of findings within the study population. For the institutional group, a complete enumeration approach was conducted across two purposively selected old age homes in Rajajipuram. These facilities were chosen based on several criteria: (1) primary service to Hindu elderly residents, (2) minimum operational period of five years to ensure established care practices, (3) willingness to participate in research, and (4) representation of different institutional models (one religiously affiliated, one secular).

A total of 44 residents aged 65 and above met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate, representing a 100% response rate among eligible residents. For the home-dwelling group, 44 participants were randomly selected from the same geographic area and matched on key demographic characteristics (age, gender, education level) to minimize confounding variables. Inclusion Criteria: • Age 65 years or older • Self-identified Hindu • Resided in current setting for minimum 6 months • Adequate cognitive capacity for informed consent Exclusion Criteria: • Severe cognitive impairment • Acute medical conditions impeding participation Data Collection Procedures Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews using validated instruments administered by trained research assistants in Hindi and familiar with local cultural practices.

Interviews were conducted in private settings to ensure confidentiality and comfort.