Aging, Faith, and Religious Coping: A Phenomenological Study of Older Adults in a Muslim Cultural Context in Turkiye

This study explored how older adults experience aging, religious practices, and religious coping, and how faith is reconstructed in later life within a Muslim cultural context in Turkiye. Employing an interpretative phenomenological qualitative design, data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 20 older adults aged 60 to 75 enrolled in the 60+ Rejuvenation University program (University of the Third Age model) at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Turkiye. Data saturation guided the sample size, and transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings revealed that religiosity in later life is experienced not as a linear increase, but as a dynamic, multidimensional process shaped by bodily changes, health conditions, time perception, and existential concerns. Four main themes emerged: (1) restructuring religious practices in the context of body and time, (2) transformation of religiosity, (3) religious coping processes, and (4) meaning-making of aging and death through faith. Participants adapted religious practices to physical limitations through compensatory strategies, such as praying seated, make-up prayers, and almsgiving. Aging was accompanied by deeper spiritual reflection, moral/intent-focused religiosity, and preparation for death. Religious coping served as both a supportive shield and a source of emotional tension involving guilt over disrupted rituals. The findings demonstrate that religiosity in later life is a heterogeneous and reconstructive process, offering crucial insights for culturally sensitive geriatric care and active aging policies in Muslim societies.