AB024. Sacred aging: exploring the lived experiences of elderly Catholic nuns

Background: Aging presents multidimensional challenges that affect physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Elderly Catholic nuns experience aging within a unique religious environment characterized by lifelong service, communal living, and strong spiritual commitments. This study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of elderly Catholic nuns in Baguio City and to identify the factors that contribute to their resilience and holistic well-being during aging.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the participants’ lived experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposely selected Catholic nuns aged 60 years and above from selected religious congregations in Baguio City. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Ethical principles, including informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, and anonymity, were strictly observed throughout the study.

Results: Six major themes emerged: (I) sacred routines, highlighting daily practices that nurture physical and spiritual well-being; (II) embracing fragility, reflecting acceptance of age-related physical decline through faith; (III) emotional resilience, demonstrating the use of spirituality to cope with emotional and interpersonal challenges; (IV) lifelong learning, emphasizing continuous personal and spiritual growth; (V) acceptance, illustrating the role of spiritual guidance in adapting to the aging process; and (VI) communal strength, underscoring the importance of faith-based community support in reducing loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging. Findings revealed that spirituality, community support, and disciplined routines bolster holistic well-being and resilience among elderly Catholic nuns.

Conclusions: Elderly Catholic nuns navigate aging through a combination of spiritual devotion, personal acceptance, disciplined routines, and strong communal support. These interconnected factors contribute significantly to their resilience and overall well-being. The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals, caregivers, religious organizations, and policymakers in developing holistic elder care programs that address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of aging.

Keywords: Communal living; coping strategies; lived experiences; religious life; resilience