Linked article: This article is commented on by M. Scalvenzi et al., pp. e146–e147 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15469.

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.

Objective: to identify the meaning of aging as perceived by the elderly and their relatives. Method: an exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study was carried out in 2014, based on semi-structured interviews with eight elderly participants of a social group and five relatives of elderly people. The information was synthesized using Bardin’s content analysis, from the description of the subjects’ speech in terms of units of significance. Results: content analysis revealed two thematic categories: the meaning of aging in the perception of the elderly and human aging in the understanding of the relatives. Conclusion: the perceptions of the interviewees regarding aging refer to successful, dignified and active aging, with autonomy, independence and the possibility of accomplishment, considering the specificities and difficulties of understanding the process of living and coexistence between family members. The caregivers reported concerns about the future of the elderly in terms of health, dependence, and physical, psychic and social limitations, with a combination of positive and negative feelings, but recognized their responsibility of care.

Envelhecer bem está intimamente ligado à satisfação com a vida e a felicidade, considerando- se a capacidade cognitiva do sujeito, os elementos constituintes da experiência subjetiva e o alcance dos objetivos individuais. A partir dessa compreensão e com objetivo de conhecer e descrever as fontes de felicidade e de satisfação com a vida na concepção de adultos e idosos, foi desenvolvido um estudo qualitativo, ancorado no método do Grupo Focal (GF). Participaram 22 mulheres com idade entre 49 e 81 anos, matriculadas em um programa de extensão na modalidade de Universidade Aberta para a terceira idade, vinculada a uma instituição de ensino superior, localizada em um município no sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados em 2014, provenientes de três encontros, com duração média de 60 minutos cada um. O estudo revelou que a maioria das mulheres está satisfeita com a vida e sente-se feliz, apesar das adversidades enfrentadas ao longo do processo de viver e envelhecer. As mulheres consideram a família, a presença de Deus, a saúde e a paz como principais fontes de satisfação com a vida e os principais elementos geradores da felicidade. Esses dados evidenciam a velhice como um momento que pode ser vivido e experienciado de forma prazerosa, considerando a multidimensionalidade e a integralidade do ser. Ressalta-se a importância da compreensão de tais indicadores nas ações implementadas pelos profissionais atuantes no campo da gerontologia, com vistas à qualificação do viver e do envelhecer do ser humano, pois não basta almejar uma vida longa, mas, sim, a qualidade para viver sua extensão.

Objective: To describe and reflect the possible relationships established by the elderly between happiness and money. Method: It is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research, carried out from a semi-structured interview with 19 elderly people, in their households, of both sexes in 2017 and 2018, in two states of the South region of Brazil, through content analysis. Results: What emerged in the voice of older people unfolded into two categories: Money as a way of life and Money does not bring happiness. Participants indicated relationships between happiness and money because money is one of the conditions to meet the basic needs of daily life, but it appeared as a propedeutic resource for happiness. They also reported that the obsessive pursuit of money can generate fascination, anxiety and depression. Conclusion: The participants indicated that money is a means to live well and be happy and was not considered the highest goal of their lives. He is not a promoter of happiness, but can contribute to the pursuit of peace, tranquility and inner satisfaction.