Islamic Spiritual Education and Increasing Elderly Happiness

Abstract : The phenomenon of the increasing elderly population in Indonesia raises various challenges, one of which is how to ensure their emotional well-being and happiness. Siti Khadijah Nursing Home in Kesambi, Cirebon City, seeks to provide solutions through an Islamic spiritual education program. This study aims to explore the concept, implementation, challenges, responses, and impacts of Islamic spiritual education on increasing the happiness of the residents of the nursing home. The method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document studies. Data analysis was conducted using triangulation techniques of sources, methods, and theories to ensure the validity of the findings. The results showed that the Islamic spiritual education program involving congregational prayer, reading the Qur’an, praying together, and spiritual counseling significantly increased the happiness of the elderly. The main challenges in implementing the program were limited human resources, facilities, and support from the residents’ families. The residents’ responses to the program were very positive, with active participation in every activity carried out. In conclusion, Islamic spiritual education has proven effective in increasing the happiness of the elderly, but improvements are still needed in terms of resource management and family involvement. Recommendations are given to strengthen external support and optimize spiritual-based programs to achieve sustainable elderly welfare.