Aging & Social Change: Fourteenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

The study examines how spirituality contributes to the quality of life and the mediation effects of peace of mind and dissatisfaction with body image among 131 older adults in Nigeria. The study builds on existential and self-objectification theories to resolve the links between spirituality and quality of life in aging by examining the role of peace of mind and negative perception of body image. Findings from the partial least square structural equation model indicated that spirituality promotes peace of mind and quality of life. In addition, spirituality was found to reduce dissatisfaction with body image in older adults. The indirect effects suggest that spirituality is associated with increased peace of mind, which fosters quality of life. Moreover, as spirituality shows the capacity to reduce dissatisfaction with body image, it further promotes the quality of life of older adults. Conclusively, spirituality is an essential psychosocial resource for promoting quality of life in aging by enhancing peace of mind and cushioning dissatisfaction with body image.