Cocota's Story: Life Lessons in Aging, Resilience, and End-of-Life Agency From a Brazilian Matriarch.

Abstract

Resilience is increasingly recognized as a central factor in how older adults adapt to life's inevitable changes, yet many clinicians remain unfamiliar with its practical applications in late life. Drawing on the true story of Cocota, a Brazilian matriarch who lived to be 100, this special article illustrates how resilience is neither a static trait nor limited to mere survival. Instead, it emerges over decades, shaped by early adversities and sustained through purposeful roles, strong social ties, and an enduring sense of autonomy. Although psychological, social, and spiritual resources are crucial, physiological resilience also plays an essential role, reflecting adaptive responses at organ, cellular, and molecular levels that help older adults recover from acute health stressors. In Cocota's case, a hip fracture in her 80s did not lead to permanent disability; rather, she reclaimed her daily routines, demonstrating the interplay between physical robustness and unwavering determination. Equally telling was her decision to "stop eating and drinking" near life's end, exemplifying resilience as a final expression of agency. We further explore how her experiences align with deeper forms of well-being, marked by purpose and prosocial behavior, and practical wisdom, including emotional regulation and sound moral judgment. By examining her life journey, clinicians and community partners can better appreciate how resilience spans physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and spiritual domains, ultimately guiding more integrated strategies to support older adults. The lessons learned have direct relevance for clinical interventions, community programs, and public health initiatives aimed at fostering autonomy and meaningful engagement in later life.