‘Just another day’: the lived experience of being a hundred years old for ten New Zealanders

Abstract

The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of extended longevity as perceived by centenarians. Centenarians (people over 100 years of age) are the fastest growing group of the ageing population in developed countries. Ten centenarians aged between 100 and 106 years, living in the Lower North Island of New Zealand, participated in the study. The biographical narrative interpretive method of inquiry guided data collection through face-to-face interviews, and thematic analysis was subsequently undertaken. Four themes were identified: (a) ‘becoming a centenarian: ‘Just another day’; (b) ‘growing up in a privileged environment’ that revealed four sub-themes: ‘having freedom and choice’, ‘being loved and nurtured’, ‘living healthy lifestyles’ and having ‘good education prospects’; (c) ‘unique opportunities in adult life’; and (d) ‘positive ageing and celebration of longevity’. The centenarians spoke nonchalantly about their experience of turning 100 and positive personalities were prominent features of the participants, who all expressed a sense of acceptance and satisfaction with life and contentment with living in the present, a feature throughout their lives that was ongoing and at an intergenerational level. This study has provided further insights into the existing literature on longevity and through the narratives of the centenarians has demonstrated the value of Erikson's psycho-social stages of development and Tornstam's theory of gerotranscendence when considering positive ageing.

Understanding resilience from the perspective of Appalachian centenarians

“…However, for our centenarians, it was having the desire to live a good life that allowed them to see the beauty of living, to appreciate the simpler aspect of life and to find their purpose, reason for being. These sub-themes are supported by research where centenarians shared that a focus on living a good life significantly contributed to their longevity (Zeng and Shen, 2010; Hutnik et al , 2016; Scelzo et al , 2018; Ratan and de Vries, 2020). Furthermore, centenarians believe that they deal with and positively process very difficult life events because they consider themselves ‘lucky’ or ‘fortunate’ (Hutnik et al , 2016), embrace ‘laughter as an important part of their life’ or adopt an optimistic and communicative lifestyle (Kato et al , 2012).…”

“…They give context to the positive association between adaptation and family involvement when describing centenarians’ adaptability to adverse changes (Hensley et al , 2010; Scelzo et al , 2018; Ratan and de Vries, 2020). Through these sub-themes, it is evident that inner resources contribute to an association between thriving and socialisation in the community (Dubovská et al , 2017; Levasseur et al , 2017; Kok et al , 2018; Ratan and de Vries, 2020). Furthermore, the research supports how these sub-themes reflect thriving even when living in poverty and/or economically distressed conditions from unavoidable situations (Bennett et al , 2016; Kok et al , 2018).…”

“…Through their sense of spirituality, these older adults acquired a perspective to cope with and survive beyond daily adversities and traumatic situations. Furthermore, having a happy or healthy outlook about life is a re-occurring theme with centenarians (Dubovská et al , 2017; Lopez, 2019; Ratan and de Vries, 2020). Therefore, our sub-themes collectively encompass the contextual meaning of maintaining a resilient nature.…”

“…An introspective exploration provides the contextual meaning of their lived experiences, which are critical in understanding their resilient nature. In a few studies, centenarians have shared that over a lifetime they have tapped into their inner strengths for survival (Bennett et al , 2016; Hutnik et al ., 2016; Ratan and de Vries, in press). These studies show that centenarians’ viewpoints indicated an awareness of their resilience from their survival of challenging experiences.…”

Research on Individuals Aged One Hundred and Over: Protocol from the Sevilla and Castilla y León Centenarian Studies

“…Meanwhile, other studies have endeavored to identify specific factors related to extreme longevity (Andersen-Ranberg et al, 2001; Christensen & Vaupel, 1996; Herr et al, 2018; Maier et al, 2020; Motta et al, 2005). Most of these previous studies have employed quantitative designs, focusing on biological and physiological aspects and family background; meanwhile, a small number of studies have used qualitative designs to analyze psychosocial and psychoemotional aspects or centenarians’ personal biographies (Darviri et al, 2009; Hutnik et al, 2012; Reichstadt et al, 2010; Poon & Cheung, 2012; Poon et al, 2007; Ratan & de Vries, 2020; Struckmeyer et al, 2020; Wong et al, 2014); such approaches can clarify centenarians’ own understanding of their longevity and the aspects they themselves feel have enabled them to maintain their cognitive faculties. The studies that have adopted the latter approaches have identified several factors, including maintaining a positive outlook on life, keeping mentally and physically fit at all times, nurturing family and social relations (Wong et al, 2014), obtaining wellness and happiness and having an extroverted character (Jopp & Rott, 2006; Struckmeyer et al, 2020), and being resilient and controlling sources of frustration (Hutnik et al, 2012).…”