Abstract
In a sample of 106 consecutive patients (mean age 74.4 years) attending a geriatric outpatient clinic, a high prevalence of orthodox Christian beliefs, religious commmunity activity, private devotional activity, and intrinsic religious orientation was found. Levels of religious activity and intrinsic orientation were lower among patients with cancer, chronic anxiety, depressive symptoms, and those who smoked cigarettes or consumed moderate to large amounts of alcohol. Finds that religion is a powerful cultural force in the lives of older medical patients and is integrally related to both mental and physical health. (Abstract amended)