Iranian Elderly Perception of Spiritual Self-Care: A Qualitative Content Analysis

As individuals age, their physical, psychological, and spiritual requirements experience substantial changes. Among these, spiritual self-care emerges as a crucial dimension of well-being in later life, contributing meaningfully to improved quality of life and mental health. This study explored older adults' perceptions of spiritual self-care through a qualitative approach grounded in conventional content analysis. Conducted in Iran in 2024, the study involved seventeen elderly participants selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-person interviews and analyzed concurrently with data collection. The analysis yielded eight categories and four overarching themes: Creating Joy in Daily Life Activities, Meditation and Self-Purification, Living and Being with Others, and Exciting Hobbies. The findings suggest that spiritual self-care in older adults encompasses joyful engagement in everyday activities, resilience through religious practices, and a pursuit of inner peace. Furthermore, meaningful social relationships, connection to nature, and engagement with modern tools such as social media, emerged as significant contributors to emotional balance and enhanced life satisfaction in later years.