With spirituality placed at the centre of the person, the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance has been a source of debate on the definition of spirituality and the centrality of the concept (CAOT, 2002). This research used a qualitative research approach, the grounded theory method of Glaser and Strauss (1967) and Strauss (1987), to explore the process by which meaning is given to occupation by community-dwelling older individuals with loss of physical autonomy. The concept of spirituality from their perspective was also explored. Eight study participants, selected for their level of loss of autonomy as well as the absence of cognitive deficits, were recruited from the three publicly-funded community support service providers in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Data, in the form of verbatim, were gathered using in-depth, one-on-one, semi-directed interviews. This study also proposes a definition of spirituality that reflects belief in a higher power and the close cultural link between spirituality and religion, as seen from the perspective of community-dwelling older adults with loss of autonomy."--Résumé abrégé par UMI.