Optimizing Quranic Learning for the Elderly: An Integrative Religious Experience Model to Enhance Spiritual Wellness in Pesantren Communities
Keywords:
Quranic Learning, Elderly, Religious Expreience, Spiritual Wellness
Abstract
Background: The increasing elderly population presents a challenge in meeting their psychosocial and spiritual needs. Learning the Quran in later life is often hindered by methods that are not age-friendly, leading to social isolation and reduced spiritual well-being.
Purpose of the Study: This program was designed to implement a Religious Experience Learning (REL) approach to address three core issues: developing a suitable pedagogical method, enhancing access and participation through effective mentoring, and ultimately strengthening the spiritual wellness of elderly participants.
Methods: The program employed a Service Learning methodology, structured in three stages: preparation, implementation (participatory REL-based learning, and reflection. The REL framework integrated technical (Bagdadi method), reflective (contextual hermeneutics), and spiritual (contemplative practice) dimensions.
Results: The program achieved holistic transformation. Methodologically, a shift to humanistic approaches created a psychological safety and increased intrinsic motivation. Socially, a multi-generational community and empathetic mentoring reduced isolation. The primary outcome was enhanced spiritual wellness, evidenced by the personalization of worship, internalization of Quranic values as a life framework, and the achievement of eudaimonic well-being marked by inner peace (sakinah), self-acceptance, and a profound sense of meaning in life.
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References
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Aydın, A., Işık, A., & Kahraman, N. (2020). Mental health symptoms, spiritual well-being and meaning in life among older adults living in nursing homes and community dwellings. Psychogeriatrics, 20(6), 833–843. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyg.12613
Briggs, M. K., & Shoffner, M. F. (2006). Spiritual wellness and depression: Testing a theoretical model with older adolescents and midlife adults. Counseling and Values, 51(1), 5–20. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-007X.2006.tb00062.x
Buco, C. E. A. M., Buenviaje, K. A. C., Bulan, R. B. C., Cabaña, R. J. L., Cabuhat, M. K. S., Bongar, M. V. V., & Macindo, J. R. B. (2018). Developing and testing a model of quality of life among chronically-ill, community-dwelling older adults: A structural equation model. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 78, 261–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2018.07.013
Casanova, G., Machado, I., & Melo, S. (2024). The role of spirituality in later life: a study of older adult university students in Portugal. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 36(3), 309–332. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2023.2216157
Fan, Y., Ma, Z., Lin, W., Zhang, R., Wang, D., & Fan, F. (2025). The concept and dimensional characteristics of spiritual support for older adults in contemporary China. Acta Psychologica Sinica, 57(12), 2131–2148. https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1041.2025.2131
Fitriana, M. A., dan Syukron, A. (2024). Mindfulness dalam Menghadapi Quarter Life Crisis Perspektif Al-Quran (Studi Analisis Tafsir Tematik).
Garrison, B. V. (2021). Transforming the narrative of aging and dementia in faith communities: toward a new paradigm of inclusion. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 33(4), 413–429. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2021.1885003
Hakim, L., Kodir, A., & Haron, M. Z. (2025). Integrative Islamic education for the elderly: A holistic model from Madrasah Ibnu Mas’ud in Malaysia. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 11(1), 176–188. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v11i1.45186
Hall, B. S., Nielsen, R. C., Nelson, J. R., & Buchholz, C. E. (2010). A humanistic framework for distance education. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development, 49(1), 45–57. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1939.2010.tb00086.x
Hamiz, M., Bakri, M., Haron, H., Sabri, S. M., & Jamil, N. (2014). Repetitive memorization mobile application development for elderly memory recall. Dalam 2014 IEEE Conference on e-Learning, e-Management and e-Services (IC3e) (hlm. 150–155). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/IC3e.2014.7081258
Hassan, S. H. C., Shamsuddin, S. N. W., & Yusof, N. H. (2023). Towards designing a framework for adaptive gamification learning analytics in Quranic memorisation. Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology, 31(1), 257–278. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjst.31.1.16
Hidayat, A. (2021). Pendidikan Generasi Alpha-Jejak Pustaka (Vol. 1). Jejak Pustaka. Jember
Holstun, V. P., & Bohecker, L. (2024). Humanistic principles for providing culturally sensitive corrective feedback in supervision. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, 63(3), 228–240. https://doi.org/10.1002/johc.12215
Jaihind Jothikaran, T. A., Meershoek, A., Ashok, L., & Krumeich, A. (2023). Role of spiritual experiences in shaping the quality of intergenerational relationships - exploring views of older adults in South India. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2023.2259824
Kusumawati, I. R. (2023). Implementasi Pendidikan Spiritual Melalui Kitab Syiir Jawi Pada Kesehatan Lansia Di Tpq Al-Muhibbin Jombang. Muróbbî: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan.
Lavretsky, H. (2010). Spirituality and aging. Aging Health, 6(6), 749–769. https://doi.org/10.2217/ahe.10.70
Li, M.-F., & Shih, Y. (2022). Effect of Social Support on the Spiritual Health of Older Adults: Evaluation of the Mediation Effect. Bulletin of Educational Psychology, 54(1), 107–130. https://doi.org/10.6251/BEP.202209_54(1).0005
Luo, S., Wu, L. M., Wang, Y., Jin, H. Q., Zhao, Y. N., & Du, X. F. (2025). Exercise Identity and Spiritual Well-Being in Nursing Home Residents: Mediating Roles of Social Support and Exercise Behavior in Hebei Province, China. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 20, 1099–1108. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S520138
Martins, E. L. M., Salamene, L. C., Lucchetti, A. L. G., & Lucchetti, G. (2022). The role of positive behaviors, attitudes and virtues in the mental health of community-dwelling older adults: A 1-year follow-up study. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 154, 110721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110721
Mezirow, J. (1997). Transformative learning: Theory to practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 1997(74), 5–12.
Mohammadi, S., Kazemi, M., & Afrashteh, M. Y. (2024). The Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship Between Religious Components and Psychological Well-being in Older Adults. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 19(2), 176-189. https://doi.org/10.32598/sija.2023.3023.2
Nik Abdullah, N. M. S. A., Nordin, O., & Abdullah, A. N. B. (2024). Developing a framework for a Qurānic-based lifelong learning module for the elderly. AlBayan, 22(3), 469–497. https://doi.org/10.1163/22321969-20240162
Okun, S., & Nimrod, G. (2021). Lifelong spiritual learning: Religious older adults going digital. Journal of Religion, Media and Digital Culture, 10(3), 404–427. https://doi.org/10.1163/21659214-bja10056
Phan, H., Ngu, B., Chen, S.-C., & Hsu, C.-S. (2026). Using life and death education understanding to facilitate spiritual growth. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 38(1), 54–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2025.2513221
Pishkhani, M. K., Shahboulaghi, F. M., Khankeh, H., & Dalvandi, A. (2019). Spiritual health in Iranian elderly: A concept analysis by Walker and Avant's approach. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 14(1), 96–113. https://doi.org/10.32598/sija.13.10.380
Putra, W. S., dan Wanda, K. (2023). Management of Islamic religious education learning by utilizing artificial intelligence technology for students of the Islamic Religious Education study program. At-Tadbir: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 3(2), 60–74.
Rahmawati, R. A. (2019). Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Membaca Al-Quran pada Usia Lanjut dengan Buku 7 ½ Jam Bisa Membaca Al-Quran Metode Tsaqifa di Dukuh Sumberagung Bulu Sukoharjo Tahun 2017.(online) Skripsi, IAIN Surakarta, 2017.
Ridlo, M., Prasetyo, H., Aini, N. K., Muzaqqi, I., Aulia, I., Imaniarti, I., dan Umroh, Z. K. (2023). Pengembangan TPQ Lansia Melalui Pelatihan Makharijul Huruf Dan Kajian Kitab Fiqih. Al-Ijtimā: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat.
Rivera-Ledesma, A., & Montero, M. (2005). Spirituality and religiosity in older Mexican adults. Salud Mental, 28(6), 51–58.
Riviati, N., & Indra, B. (2024). Reading Holy Quran associated with better cognitive function in older adults: A systematic review. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214241239219
Sadeghigolafshani, M., Sadooghiasl, A., Ahmadi, F., & Kazemnejad, A. (2025). Iranian Elderly Perception of Spiritual Self-Care: A Qualitative Content Analysis. Journal of Religion and Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-025-02439-8
Shirkavand, L., Abbaszadeh, A., Borhani, F., dan Momenyan, S. (2018). Correlation between spiritual well-being with satisfaction with life and death anxiety among elderlies suffering from cancer. Electronic Journal of General Medicine, 15(3).
Snowden, M., & Ali, G. (2017). How Can Spirituality Be Integrated in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education? Dalam Spiritually Competent Practice in Health Care (hlm. 71–86). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315188638-5
Stover, B. (2005). Spiritual need three: Opportunities to serve “call me a master, not a senior citizen”. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 17(3-4), 87–95. https://doi.org/10.1300/J496v17n03_08
Tohiroh, T., Firdaus, A., Saksana, J. C., Firmansyah, F., Ramayanti, P. N., Rahmi, C., Tafsiruddin, M., Hidayatullah, S., Rasmawati, A. R., dan Tahang, M. (2021). Edukasi Ketrampilan, Minat dan Bakat untuk Meningkatkan Perekonomian Generasi Bangsa di Pondok Pesantren Baitul Quro. KREATIF: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Nusantara, 1(2), 63–76.
Turesky, D. G., & Schultz, J. M. (2010). Spirituality among older adults: An exploration of the developmental context, impact on mental and physical health, and integration into counseling. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 22(3), 162–179. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030903437406
U., Shalat, B., Meningkatkan, U., Bagi, K., Risdiani, I.-I. L., Setianto, G., Pratiwi, Y., dan Salsabila, M. (2023). Bimbingan Shalat Untuk Meningkatkan Kesehatan Bagi Ibu-Ibu Lansia. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat IPTEKS.
V. P. (2022). Religiosity/spirituality and mental health in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Frontiers in Medicine, 9, 877213.
Yahya, F. B., Hassan, H. C., Panduragan, S. L., & Mat, S. (2024). The effect of religious spiritual education and care on the quality of life among the elderly: A narrative review. Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(1), 69–75. https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v6i1.481
Yunus, M. M. B. M., Zulkifli Mohd Yusoff, M. Y., & Ahmad, N. A. Z. B. (2024). A qualitative approach in the empowerment of Al-Qur’an education in the 21st century: ABAHATA method study by Institute of Quranic Studies (IPaQ). Quranica, 16(1), 52–82.
Ahmad, J. (2020). Religiusitas, Refleksi dan Subjektivitas Keagamaan: studi kasus mahasiswa Fakultas Ilmu Tarbiyah dan Keguruan UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. Sekolah Pascasarjana UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.
Aydın, A., Işık, A., & Kahraman, N. (2020). Mental health symptoms, spiritual well-being and meaning in life among older adults living in nursing homes and community dwellings. Psychogeriatrics, 20(6), 833–843. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyg.12613
Briggs, M. K., & Shoffner, M. F. (2006). Spiritual wellness and depression: Testing a theoretical model with older adolescents and midlife adults. Counseling and Values, 51(1), 5–20. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-007X.2006.tb00062.x
Buco, C. E. A. M., Buenviaje, K. A. C., Bulan, R. B. C., Cabaña, R. J. L., Cabuhat, M. K. S., Bongar, M. V. V., & Macindo, J. R. B. (2018). Developing and testing a model of quality of life among chronically-ill, community-dwelling older adults: A structural equation model. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 78, 261–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2018.07.013
Casanova, G., Machado, I., & Melo, S. (2024). The role of spirituality in later life: a study of older adult university students in Portugal. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 36(3), 309–332. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2023.2216157
Fan, Y., Ma, Z., Lin, W., Zhang, R., Wang, D., & Fan, F. (2025). The concept and dimensional characteristics of spiritual support for older adults in contemporary China. Acta Psychologica Sinica, 57(12), 2131–2148. https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1041.2025.2131
Fitriana, M. A., dan Syukron, A. (2024). Mindfulness dalam Menghadapi Quarter Life Crisis Perspektif Al-Quran (Studi Analisis Tafsir Tematik).
Garrison, B. V. (2021). Transforming the narrative of aging and dementia in faith communities: toward a new paradigm of inclusion. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 33(4), 413–429. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2021.1885003
Hakim, L., Kodir, A., & Haron, M. Z. (2025). Integrative Islamic education for the elderly: A holistic model from Madrasah Ibnu Mas’ud in Malaysia. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 11(1), 176–188. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v11i1.45186
Hall, B. S., Nielsen, R. C., Nelson, J. R., & Buchholz, C. E. (2010). A humanistic framework for distance education. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development, 49(1), 45–57. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1939.2010.tb00086.x
Hamiz, M., Bakri, M., Haron, H., Sabri, S. M., & Jamil, N. (2014). Repetitive memorization mobile application development for elderly memory recall. Dalam 2014 IEEE Conference on e-Learning, e-Management and e-Services (IC3e) (hlm. 150–155). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/IC3e.2014.7081258
Hassan, S. H. C., Shamsuddin, S. N. W., & Yusof, N. H. (2023). Towards designing a framework for adaptive gamification learning analytics in Quranic memorisation. Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology, 31(1), 257–278. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjst.31.1.16
Hidayat, A. (2021). Pendidikan Generasi Alpha-Jejak Pustaka (Vol. 1). Jejak Pustaka. Jember
Holstun, V. P., & Bohecker, L. (2024). Humanistic principles for providing culturally sensitive corrective feedback in supervision. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, 63(3), 228–240. https://doi.org/10.1002/johc.12215
Jaihind Jothikaran, T. A., Meershoek, A., Ashok, L., & Krumeich, A. (2023). Role of spiritual experiences in shaping the quality of intergenerational relationships - exploring views of older adults in South India. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2023.2259824
Kusumawati, I. R. (2023). Implementasi Pendidikan Spiritual Melalui Kitab Syiir Jawi Pada Kesehatan Lansia Di Tpq Al-Muhibbin Jombang. Muróbbî: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan.
Lavretsky, H. (2010). Spirituality and aging. Aging Health, 6(6), 749–769. https://doi.org/10.2217/ahe.10.70
Li, M.-F., & Shih, Y. (2022). Effect of Social Support on the Spiritual Health of Older Adults: Evaluation of the Mediation Effect. Bulletin of Educational Psychology, 54(1), 107–130. https://doi.org/10.6251/BEP.202209_54(1).0005
Luo, S., Wu, L. M., Wang, Y., Jin, H. Q., Zhao, Y. N., & Du, X. F. (2025). Exercise Identity and Spiritual Well-Being in Nursing Home Residents: Mediating Roles of Social Support and Exercise Behavior in Hebei Province, China. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 20, 1099–1108. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S520138
Martins, E. L. M., Salamene, L. C., Lucchetti, A. L. G., & Lucchetti, G. (2022). The role of positive behaviors, attitudes and virtues in the mental health of community-dwelling older adults: A 1-year follow-up study. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 154, 110721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110721
Mezirow, J. (1997). Transformative learning: Theory to practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 1997(74), 5–12.
Mohammadi, S., Kazemi, M., & Afrashteh, M. Y. (2024). The Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship Between Religious Components and Psychological Well-being in Older Adults. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 19(2), 176-189. https://doi.org/10.32598/sija.2023.3023.2
Nik Abdullah, N. M. S. A., Nordin, O., & Abdullah, A. N. B. (2024). Developing a framework for a Qurānic-based lifelong learning module for the elderly. AlBayan, 22(3), 469–497. https://doi.org/10.1163/22321969-20240162
Okun, S., & Nimrod, G. (2021). Lifelong spiritual learning: Religious older adults going digital. Journal of Religion, Media and Digital Culture, 10(3), 404–427. https://doi.org/10.1163/21659214-bja10056
Phan, H., Ngu, B., Chen, S.-C., & Hsu, C.-S. (2026). Using life and death education understanding to facilitate spiritual growth. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 38(1), 54–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2025.2513221
Pishkhani, M. K., Shahboulaghi, F. M., Khankeh, H., & Dalvandi, A. (2019). Spiritual health in Iranian elderly: A concept analysis by Walker and Avant's approach. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 14(1), 96–113. https://doi.org/10.32598/sija.13.10.380
Putra, W. S., dan Wanda, K. (2023). Management of Islamic religious education learning by utilizing artificial intelligence technology for students of the Islamic Religious Education study program. At-Tadbir: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 3(2), 60–74.
Rahmawati, R. A. (2019). Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Membaca Al-Quran pada Usia Lanjut dengan Buku 7 ½ Jam Bisa Membaca Al-Quran Metode Tsaqifa di Dukuh Sumberagung Bulu Sukoharjo Tahun 2017.(online) Skripsi, IAIN Surakarta, 2017.
Ridlo, M., Prasetyo, H., Aini, N. K., Muzaqqi, I., Aulia, I., Imaniarti, I., dan Umroh, Z. K. (2023). Pengembangan TPQ Lansia Melalui Pelatihan Makharijul Huruf Dan Kajian Kitab Fiqih. Al-Ijtimā: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat.
Rivera-Ledesma, A., & Montero, M. (2005). Spirituality and religiosity in older Mexican adults. Salud Mental, 28(6), 51–58.
Riviati, N., & Indra, B. (2024). Reading Holy Quran associated with better cognitive function in older adults: A systematic review. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214241239219
Sadeghigolafshani, M., Sadooghiasl, A., Ahmadi, F., & Kazemnejad, A. (2025). Iranian Elderly Perception of Spiritual Self-Care: A Qualitative Content Analysis. Journal of Religion and Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-025-02439-8
Shirkavand, L., Abbaszadeh, A., Borhani, F., dan Momenyan, S. (2018). Correlation between spiritual well-being with satisfaction with life and death anxiety among elderlies suffering from cancer. Electronic Journal of General Medicine, 15(3).
Snowden, M., & Ali, G. (2017). How Can Spirituality Be Integrated in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education? Dalam Spiritually Competent Practice in Health Care (hlm. 71–86). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315188638-5
Stover, B. (2005). Spiritual need three: Opportunities to serve “call me a master, not a senior citizen”. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 17(3-4), 87–95. https://doi.org/10.1300/J496v17n03_08
Tohiroh, T., Firdaus, A., Saksana, J. C., Firmansyah, F., Ramayanti, P. N., Rahmi, C., Tafsiruddin, M., Hidayatullah, S., Rasmawati, A. R., dan Tahang, M. (2021). Edukasi Ketrampilan, Minat dan Bakat untuk Meningkatkan Perekonomian Generasi Bangsa di Pondok Pesantren Baitul Quro. KREATIF: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Nusantara, 1(2), 63–76.
Turesky, D. G., & Schultz, J. M. (2010). Spirituality among older adults: An exploration of the developmental context, impact on mental and physical health, and integration into counseling. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 22(3), 162–179. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030903437406
U., Shalat, B., Meningkatkan, U., Bagi, K., Risdiani, I.-I. L., Setianto, G., Pratiwi, Y., dan Salsabila, M. (2023). Bimbingan Shalat Untuk Meningkatkan Kesehatan Bagi Ibu-Ibu Lansia. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat IPTEKS.
V. P. (2022). Religiosity/spirituality and mental health in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Frontiers in Medicine, 9, 877213.
Yahya, F. B., Hassan, H. C., Panduragan, S. L., & Mat, S. (2024). The effect of religious spiritual education and care on the quality of life among the elderly: A narrative review. Al-Rafidain Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(1), 69–75. https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v6i1.481
Yunus, M. M. B. M., Zulkifli Mohd Yusoff, M. Y., & Ahmad, N. A. Z. B. (2024). A qualitative approach in the empowerment of Al-Qur’an education in the 21st century: ABAHATA method study by Institute of Quranic Studies (IPaQ). Quranica, 16(1), 52–82.
Published
2026-02-01
How to Cite
Nasihin, K., Hasyim, M., & Fajarudin, A. A. (2026). Optimizing Quranic Learning for the Elderly: An Integrative Religious Experience Model to Enhance Spiritual Wellness in Pesantren Communities. Engagement: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.29062/engagement.v10i1.2292
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