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RESEARCH PRODUCT

WHY CENTENARIANS ARE SO OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE?

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People living longer lives report that they are “making the most of it” reflecting a realistic and optimistic approach to life. This adaptive attitude among the oldest-old challenges the model of inevitable health and functional limitations expected at the end of life. However, researchers find that centenarians report good health, gratitude, enjoyment of life and feel optimistic about the future. Using data from a sample of 68 urban nonagenarians and centenarians in the city of Valencia in Spain (Age range 90–105, Mean= 96; SD= 3.93), we report on the associations between the participants’ cognitive dispositions and their level of life satisfaction while controlling by predisposing factors. Participants answered questions about life satisfaction, perceived health, physical activities, cognitive level, and optimism about the future. Additional qualitative data on the purpose of life and personal believes was collected using the MacAdams Life Story review. Descriptive information suggested that participants are in good physical and cognitive health, report adequate levels of support, feel full of vitality and are satisfied with their lives. Multivariate regression on quality of life pointed to the centenarians level of optimism as the main predictor. This finding was also one of the main themes reported by the participants’ own words (“I always have hope”) during their life story review. Results confirm that optimism and positive affect are key components for successful aging among the oldest-old. We discuss implications and recommend the use of models that incorporate personal believes and meanings of life as successful adaptations in old age.