The experience of spirituality among institutionalized elderly people

Abstract Objective: To identify the meanings attributed to the experience of spirituality when faced with life situations among elderly persons living in a long-term care facility. Method: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive survey was carried out, based on interviews with eight elderly peopl...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Scortegagna,Helenice de Moura, Pichler,Nadir Antonio, Fáccio,Lúcia Fernanda
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ)
Repositorio:Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:scielo:S1809-98232018000300293
Acceso en línea:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1809-98232018000300293
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Aging
Homes for the Aged
Spirituality
Religion and Science.
Descripción
Sumario:Abstract Objective: To identify the meanings attributed to the experience of spirituality when faced with life situations among elderly persons living in a long-term care facility. Method: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive survey was carried out, based on interviews with eight elderly people living in a long-term care facility for the elderly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Results: The content that emerged from the interviews underwent qualitative analysis for the extraction of units of significance and the elaboration of two thematic categories: Spirituality/religiosity as a direction of life and spirituality/religiosity as a meaning for life and a source of renewal, fulfilment and happiness. Conclusion: When describing the experience of spirituality as an important strategy for finding meaning in life, the elderly persons in this study revealed it to be a psychic and emotional support for coping with existential challenges. This knowledge allows professionals working in these institutions to invest in practices that incorporate spirituality as an element of the comprehensive care of the elderly.