Finding the divine in later life: exploring spiritual coping and the shift toward gerotranscendence among Filipino older adults

The global demographic shift towards an aging population has prompted increased interest in the psychosocial and spiritual resources older adults draw upon to navigate later life. This study explores the lived spiritual experiences of Filipino adults aged 50 and older, focusing on how they employ spiritual coping strategies in response to aging-related challenges and how these practices facilitate a shift toward gerotranscendence. By integrating Pargament’s theory of religious coping and Tornstam’s theory of gerotranscendence, the study employs a phenomenological approach to capture how spirituality functions as both a coping mechanism and a developmental transition toward peace, wisdom, and transcendence. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 Filipino adults aged 50 and older, exploring their experiences with spiritual coping, changing values, and the influence of Filipino cultural values such as pananampalataya (faith) and family-centeredness. Findings highlight that spirituality initially served as a means of coping with stress, providing emotional regulation and meaning-making in the face of health decline and family disruptions. Over time, spiritual practices evolved into a pathway for transcendence, marked by greater acceptance, surrender, and redefined identity. Filipino cultural values, such as the transition from active problem-solving to trust in divine will, framed this shift from coping to gerotranscendence. These findings offer valuable insights for practitioners, underscoring the importance of addressing both the coping and developmental aspects of spirituality in aging care.