Espiritualidad y bienestar subjetivo en adultos mayores institucionalizados. Cañar 2016

Abstract

Life expectancy’s increase and Ecuador´s demographic transition, lead to the investigation of spirituality as a determinant factor in the subjective well-being of institutionalized older adults. The present quantitative, non-experimental descriptive cross-sectional study analyzes the spirituality and subjective well-being variables in 29 older adults of 3 almshouses in the province of Cañar using the WHOQOL-SRPB and the Diener’s life satisfaction scale. All participants claimed to practice Catholicism; and prevails a high level of spirituality and satisfaction with life. The most punctuated domains within the spirituality were Faith and Spiritual strength; and the less scored were Acceptance and Totality and integration. A high level of spirituality has positive effects on the elderly’s quality of life, which supports the use, consideration and respect of spirituality in clinical practice as a resource for offering well-being. Spirituality is considered a source of hope, comfort and well-being, religious beliefs provide strength to stressful events in the elderly institutionalized in gerontological centers in the Cañar province. The participating geriatric population is highly satisfied with their lives, which implies a high level of subjective well-being.