"GO TO CHURCH OR THE GYM?":

A study on religious coping in the individual's aging process

Abstract

Introduction: Over time, the concept of health has undergone significant transformations, evolving from a strictly biological view to a more dynamic and comprehensive understanding that incorporates psychological, social, and spiritual aspects, particularly relevant in aging. Objective: To analyze religious and spiritual coping in the aging process and explore their consequences, which may manifest as a protective or risk factor for the elderly population. Materials and Methods: This integrative literature review is guided by two central questions: (1) How do religiosity and spirituality present themselves in aging? Moreover, (2) Would they relate to protective or risk factors? The sources included peer-reviewed articles and journals published in the last five years, retrieved from platforms such as SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, BVS, and LILACS. Inclusion criteria required publications to be in English or Portuguese, relevant to the target audience, within the defined time frame. The research was carried out in two stages, with descriptors combined according to their thematic relevance. The data analysis was guided by Bardin's content analysis method. Results: Two main perspectives on religious coping were identified, one where the belief in a superior reality is perceived as punitive, leading to feelings of guilt and another where the possibility of the existence of this reality contributes to the well-being of this population. Most findings indicated that religiosity and spirituality serve primarily as positive coping strategies in later life, helping individuals deal with the challenges of this developmental stage. Conclusion: This study contributes to ongoing discussions among multidisciplinary professionals regarding the relative value of physical exercises, such as weight training and participation in religious practices. It highlights the importance of complementarity between these two areas, especially for older adults. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical foundation to support professional practice, emphasizing the integration of spirituality and physical activity as essential complementary in promoting health and quality of life in the elderly population.