Resilience promotion through religiosity among Chilean older adults during the global outbreak of COVID-19

Abstract

The stressors caused by the pandemic, as well as a lockdown measure generated a greater mental and emotional burden in many individuals, especially among older people. This qualitative study examined from 22 semi-structured interviews how religiosity acted as a psychosocial resource that promoted resilience, positive coping, and social support among older Chilean adults. Religious older adults not only showed a strong capacity for resilience, but also adaptability to new technologies that helped them express their religiosity in new ways during the pandemic, which should be considered in public policies to promote active aging during times of crisis.