THE ARCHITECTURE OF LONGEVITY

INTEGRATING PUBLIC POLICIES AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE SEARCH FOR MEANING

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy in Brazil demands public policies that integrate not only economic and sanitary dimensions, but also existential ones. Discussing spirituality in public policies means addressing humanity in social planning. This study reflects on the importance of spirituality as an essential dimension for longevity with meaning, articulating human, social, and ethical aspects of policies aimed at aging. A literature review was conducted in three databases (Scielo, PubMed, and Scopus) on spirituality, longevity, and public policies, covering publications from 2000 to 2025. Documents from the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health were also analyzed. The theoretical foundation is based on Sen, who discusses freedom as the
capacity for choice, and on Neri and Cachioni, who address successful aging. Recent studies show
positive correlations between spirituality, well-being, and mental health in older adults. Viktor Frankl's theory of the meaning of life also underpins the discussion on healthy aging. The review revealed that most aging strategies prioritize biomedical indicators, neglecting symbolic and affective dimensions that sustain the desire to live. Experiences such as Open Universities for the Third Age demonstrate that collective meaning, learning, and bonding promote health and belonging. The results point to gaps: there is no systematic incorporation of the spiritual dimension
in Brazilian aging policies. The study suggests creating spiritual well-being indicators in qualityof-life surveys, developing validated assessment tools for the national context, and training professionals sensitive to religious diversity and the State's laicity. It is concluded that full longevity requires not only the extension of years, but meaning and connection, supported by
policies that recognize spirituality as a force promoting health, solidarity, and collective purpose.