This paper provides an introduction to the collection of papers presented in this special issue on positive adaptations to aging in various cultural contexts. The concept of positive adjustment as one ages is not just an issue of personal adaptation or `successful aging' but can be understood more fully in light of the community context within which theindividual lives out his/her life. Two of the papers focus on the aging experiences of African Americans in the United States. Another paper discusses the phenomenon ofretirement in American society. The fourth paper provides a sophisticated analysis of the perception of old age activities among the contemporary Guatemalan Maya. The final paper explores the experiences of childless olderadults in rural Wales.