Abstract: Conducts interviews with five adults, aged 85 or over, to discover how they expressed and negotiated independence and autonomy in their daily lives, and when in contact with the health-care system. Aims to provide health-care professionals with information regarding independence, autonomy and decision-making when caring for older adults. Groups the findings into three themes: independence, past and present; autonomy and decision-making; and health. Provides evidence of older adults living self-determined lives.