Cocota's story: Life lessons in aging, resilience, and end-of-life agency from a Brazilian matriarch

Cocota's story: Life lessons in aging, resilience, and end-of-life agency from a Brazilian matriarch
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society; by Thiago J Avelino-Silva, Niousha Moini; 6/25
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.
Assistant Editor's note: Perhaps it is too late in the lives of most of our patients for them to learn the blessings of Resilience. But as hospice and palliative caregivers, it is a lesson that can help sustain us while doing the work, and help us to cultivate happy and meaningful personal lives.