COSTA, Andrea    HUMBOLDT, Sofia von. Spirituality and chronic diseases in the older adults - exploratory study in the older adults. []. , 21, 1, pp.69-74. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/20psd210111.

Population aging presents itself as a challenge for contemporary public health. Chronic diseases are a concern, especially among the older adults, as they experience losses and changes in their lives, where spirituality can be a way to find strength to overcome adversity. The purpose of the present exploratory study conducted with the older adults was to verify if spirituality and faith help the elderly to cope with chronic illness in old age. Method: This qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 7 older adults aged 62 to 92 (M = 76.85; SD = 11.20). Results: Two categories were identified: belief in god, where all respondents answered that they believe in God, and strength to cope with the disease, where all respondents answered that faith and belief in God helped and helps them cope the disease. Discussion: As they get older, the older adults begins to experience several changes that lead to adaptation to new roles. Chronic diseases are an example because they bring with them feelings that can often affect the well-being of the older adults, and consequently, the search for a purpose in life and ways to cope with the disease through faith. Thus, there are relevant themes in the present study, which will contribute to improve and add knowledge to health psychology.

: Spirituality; Religion; Aging; Chronic diseases.

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