The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of community-dwelling older adults living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a rural community in Northern Thailand. The study was grounded in Parker and Barry’s model of community nursing practice model based on the concepts and values of respect, persons in their wholeness, and caring in nursing. Data were generated and analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological approach. Four themes were revealed: confronting a life-threatening illness, caring for self, keeping meaningful relationships, and living guided by spiritual beliefs. The meaning of the experience was synthesized as finding balance between living with a threatening illness and living meaningful lives.