The role of spirituality in later life

A study of older adult university students in Portugal

Bibliographic Data

ID21176323
AuthorsGiuliana Casanova (0000-0002-6204-8718, Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto, corresponding author), Idalina Machado (0000-0002-7014-3344, Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto), Sara Melo (0000-0001-5663-6997, Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto)
Year2024
Volume36
Issue3
Pages309-332
Publication date2024-07-02
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1552-8030 • E-ISSN: 1552-8049
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15528030.2023.2216157
OpenAlexW4381281784
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited20

This study explores the relationship between spirituality and successful aging in older adults in Portugal. The sample includes 58 participants aged 65 to 89. The findings reveal high levels of spirituality and psychological well-being. There is a significant correlation between spiritual beliefs and hope/optimism, indicating the positive influence of spirituality on emotional well-being. Additionally, spirituality is positively associated with autonomy, highlighting its role in fostering independence in later life. The thematic analysis identifies key themes, including participants ́ connection to a higher power, personal well-being, and the lifelong importance of spirituality. These findings emphasize spirituality as a coping mechanism and a source of purpose and meaning in the later stages of life

Autonomy · Developmental psychology · Optimism · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Spiritual development · Spirituality · Thematic analysis · Well-being · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology

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