This paper reflects selected findings from a study of successful coping mechanisms used by elderly individuals who, approximately two years before the time of being interviewed, had experienced a major crisis identified as either: (1) the death of a significant individual with whom the elderly person has in most cases been living until the time of the bereavement, or (2) a debilitating illness which was life-threatening or permanently disabling. Essentially, the investigation sought to understand the impact of a major life crisis on elderly individuals, as well as identify the range and variety of coping mechanisms employed. (Author/VG)