The master’s thesis addresses the experience of spirituality of older men in nursing homes, the changes in their spiritual practices over time, and the influence of the institutional environment on their spiritual life. In old age, spirituality manifests as an important source of meaning, inner strength, and support in coping with loneliness, illness, and mortality, while it often remains an underrecognized dimension of holistic care in institutions. The aim of the study was to illuminate how older men experience spirituality, which changes they perceive upon entering a nursing home, and how the environment of the home and the role of staff influence their spiritual well-being. The empirical part is based on a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews conducted with men over seventy years old. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed the multifaceted nature of their spiritual experiences. Participants described spirituality as connecting with God, memories, and relationships, as a source of inner peace, and as a way of maintaining meaning in daily life. Upon moving to a nursing home, spiritual practices often undergo transformation. Some experience reduced accessibility of religious activities and a loss of personal routine, while others find new forms of communal experience and connectedness in the institutional environment. The role of staff was also emphasized, as their sensitivity and support can significantly contribute to maintaining residents’ spiritual dimension. The findings show that spirituality is an indispensable part of quality of life for older men, which goes beyond medical and social aspects. The study thus opens space for reflection on the necessity of including spiritual care in nursing home practice and encourages the development of approaches that enable older adults to maintain dignity, meaning, and inner peace even in the final period of life.
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