Making Sense of Extreme Longevity: Explorations Into the Spiritual Lives of Centenarians

As older adults live into advanced age the oldest-old segment will continue to increase in size. In this study, we analyze data gathered using in-depth interviewing and explore spirituality for 16 centenarians. Results show the importance spirituality has for older adults, particularly those in advanced age. Our findings indicate that spirituality is a key factor of support, an important resource in late life, and maintains continuity over the life course for the centenarians. Our findings support the need for researchers and practitioners to consider the importance of spirituality in late life, particularly for those in their last decades.