Healers and Spirit Possession

The aim of this text was to investigate and reflect on the intersection between cultural practices and nutritional issues, highlighting both the influence of spiritual beliefs and the context of malnutrition in institutionalized elderly people. It addresses the complex interactions between traditional practices and contemporary challenges faced by elderly people in institutions in Mozambique. The book investigates how healers, as some of the central figures in local communities, and the belief in spirit possession influence treatments for malnutrition among the elderly. Through detailed analysis, I examine the impact of these practices on nutritional health and the role of cultural traditions in addressing critical dietary needs. This study offers an in-depth look at the integration of spiritual beliefs and medical interventions in the context of geriatric health, providing an enriching understanding of the challenges faced by institutionalized elders and the cultural dynamics that construct their experiences.