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peutic thought (body, mind, and spirit)are compatible with the holistic view ofnur­
sing: In caringfor the sick nurses can benefitfrom logotherapy in the sense that they
now can use its methods at each stage ofthe process: in assessment, in determination
of meaningful alternatives, in the implementation oflifestyle changes and choice of
the mostsuitable one by the patient.
Whatmakeslogotherapy especially applicable to the nursingprofessionis the goal of
assisting the individual to live a meaningful live. Both nursingand logotherapy are
aimed at bringing consolation and healingto homo patients, the suffering human
being(Guttmann 1996:7). The moment a patientsees meaning in his/her suffering,
then he/sheis "healed" - not physically, but psychologically.
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Logotherapy is well suitedto geriatrics as well. Geriatricians can help the elderly
dealwiththe crises ofold age, and especially with the traumaofincurable disease.
Elderly people need assistancewith the difficulties they face in their struggle for sur­
vival. Papalia and Olds (1995:530) pointed out that the prevailing attitudetoward
olderpeopleis a negative one, which affects older people's feelings toward themsel­
ves as well as society's manneroftreating them. This situation especiallynecessita­
tes the need ofthe elderto findmeaning in their diminishing circumstances. Logo­
therapy can be ofgreatassistancein this regard. The elderlycan overcome the un­
avoidable suffering by searching for new meanings in their lives (Boschemeyer 1982:
9-15).
4.4 Different areas and/orplaces ofapplication
Logotherapy is a methodthat can restore the dignityofpeople. It adds and gives
meaning to those who are searching. In a world where education and work is too
us