Ingredients of an old and healthy life. A centenarian perspective.

This phenomenological study elicited centenarians' meanings of longevity and their perceptions of any common biological or psychosocial factors that they attributed to health and functioning. Twelve centenarians, ages 100 to 109, were interviewed. Common themes in their lived experiences included the meaning of long life, views of health, relationships with others, affirmation of worth, reasons for longevity, and God. Centenarians are long-term "survivors" with important lessons to share about high functioning, productive lives.