Survivors of a longitudinal study over the age of 80 years were asked whether they saw their lives in terms of story and whether they agreed with our assessment of its present major themes. Two-thirds of the initial sample of 43 people affirmed that their life story was a coherent one in which past and present were connected. Relationships, particularly within the family, were the major source of linkage. One-quarter of the sample, predominantly female members, perceived neither story nor connections but they were not necessarily dissatisfied with their present lives. Detailed case studies were subsequently composed on the identity processes shown by each person, and their conclusions discussed with the 28 remaining participants two to three years later. The most evident continuing life theme for both men and women was one oriented to the family. Maintenance of independence and own home were also emphasised. The application of McAdams' story model of identity is discussed in relationship to two cases. Implications for research and practice are discussed, including opportunities for older people to construct and present the story of their lives to others.

This descriptive study looks at what 372 Australian and 191 Israeli women, aged 18–93, consider to be the most and least important sources of meaning in their lives. The Sources of Meaning Profile (SOMP), an instrument measuring current meaning, gave rise to two major observations. First, there are considerable similarities in attributions of meaning within age-differentiated national samples. Secondly, there are similarities in meaning perceptions between age-matched groups across national samples. Participation in personal relationships was the important source of meaning in all age categories, in Israel and Australia. Leaving a legacy for the next generation, participation in religious activities, and taking part in pleasurable (hedonistic) activities were among the least important sources of meaning cited by both samples. Meaning variables related to the realisation of individual potential (e.g. personal growth, creativity, etc.), were the most differentiating for the Australian age groups, while variables related to altruism, humanistic, social and cultural concerns were the most differentiating for the Israeli women. Theoretical implications are discussed.