Survivors of the century

Stereotypical views of the elderly hold that very old persons are less adaptable to change and less comfortable handling crisis situations. Over the last five years, we have had the privilege of meeting 96 people aged 100 years or older as part of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funded, Georgia Centenarian Study (R01 MH 43435-05). We have encountered optimistic, wise individuals very engaged in living. Our research team continues to be amazed at the quality of life and the individual differences amongst centenarians.