My friend's energy and commitment to "doing" reflect characteristics of the oldest-old that are being uncovered with new research. Currently, only a few studies have explored mental health among the very old, but these individuals are characterized as resilient with respect to mental health and life satisfaction (MacDonald, Martin, Mar. grett, & Poon, 2009). Although many of the oldest-old experience disease and disability, it is surprising to find that their life satisfaction seems to be only moderately related to health factors