This study examined elderly Taiwanese people's perceptions and attitudes toward ”getting old”, and their concrete plans for later life. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 successfully aging older adults who were satisfied with their current lives, not physically disabled, and who were able to communicate fluently. Narrative analysis of the interviews showed that a positive attitude towards getting old is the key to an optimal aging process. In contrast to the stereotype of a frail elderly person, our participants pointed out that later life could be valuable, respectable, independent, and vigorous.