SPIRITUAL INTEGRATION IN THE PROMOTION OF COGNITIVE HEALTH: CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUCCESSFUL AGING

Abstract

This article discusses the integration of spirituality in the promotion of cognitive health and its contributions to successful aging. It is based on the understanding that the aging of Brazil’s population requires new forms of care capable of addressing older adults holistically, taking into account their physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Cognitive health is understood as a fundamental element for the autonomy, functionality, decision-making, memory, learning, and social participation of older adults. In this context, spirituality emerges as an important resource for constructing a sense of life, strengthening hope, coping with loss, fostering resilience, promoting a sense of belonging, and enhancing well-being. The objective of this study is to analyze the contributions of spirituality to cognitive health in the process of successful aging. Methodologically, this is a bibliographic study with a qualitative approach and exploratory nature, grounded in authors who discuss aging, spirituality, holistic health, quality of life, and mental health. It is concluded that spirituality, when integrated in an ethical, humanized, and non-imposing manner into care practices, can contribute to the preservation of dignity, identity, social bonds, and the existential meaning of older adults, fostering a more active, meaningful, and successful old age.