The five interviewees in this research were members of a Buddhist text study group. Using participant observation and in-depth interview as the research methods, I investigated how the subjects were exposed to the Buddhist faith and what experiences they had. An analysis was made as to whether or not faith and religious activities had helped them in solving problems associated with their aging. When people enter old age, their physical, functional and mental health aspects are all on the decline. The last aspect, at the psychological level, is receiving more attention today than before. In this research I identified three key elements in "successful aging", namely, taking preventive measures to avoid loss of physical functions, acquiring a self transformation mindset, and actively participating in social affairs. The five subjects, aged between sixty and seventy, had joined various Sutra-study groups, Zen retreats, and Dharma ceremonies. They might also have engaged themselves in "self cultivation". Through these activities, they learned to understand the text of sutras, let go personal obsessions, live out the truth of being in the present, restructure their frame of reference in daily life, practise self-forgiving and treasuring others. Their human relations having thus been improved, the subjects said they were depending less on children than the traditional generation, exploring newer life styles, and feeling "lighter and freer" than before. This research found that the interviewees' aging experiences have been positive in part due to their participation in religious activities, such as Buddhist studies and dharma ceremonies, through which the interviewees acquired the ability to reflect upon oneself and change their own attitudes. The findings of this case study should contribute to the literature of successful aging, especially in regard to the role of faith and religious activities.
