ABSTRACT
Objective:
to investigate religiosity and spirituality as a resilience strategy for the long-living older adults in their daily lives.
Method:
Qualitative research of phenomenological approach based on Martin Heidegger thoughts. Interviews were conducted with 14 older adults registered at a family health unit in the city of Jequié, BA, Brazil. The data were analyzed in the light of Being and Time.
Results:
The results revealed that God occupies a central position in their lives, and the reading of the bible, praying the rosary and prayers are resilience strategies used for coping with unfavorable situations, recovery and/or maintenance of health, personal and family protection, and, above all, the experience of a satisfactory aging.
Final considerations:
Religiosity and spirituality were presented as an important resilience strategy in the existence of older adults, showing that through them it is possible to achieve well-being and cope with health and social problems.
Descriptors:
Aged; Longevity; Religious Personnel; Spirituality; Nursing
