Discussions About End-of-Life Preparation and Preferences
Author Information
Author(s): Anne P. Glass, Lusine Nahapetyan
Primary Institution: University of Georgia
Hypothesis
How do elders express their end-of-life preparation and preferences to their children?
Conclusion
Understanding the barriers and facilitators for discussing end-of-life preparation can help health care professionals encourage these conversations.
Supporting Evidence
- 73% of deaths occur among people aged 65 years or older.
- Only 18% of Americans have living wills.
- Barriers to discussions include fear of death and family dynamics.
Takeaway
Elders and their adult children often don't talk about what they want at the end of life, but knowing how to start that conversation can help everyone feel better.
Methodology
In-depth exploratory interviews with 15 older adults and 15 younger adults about end-of-life preparation and preferences.
Potential Biases
Participants may differ from the general public in their willingness to discuss end-of-life preferences.
Limitations
The sample was primarily female and white, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 15 older adults (mean age 78.6 years) and 15 younger adults (mean age 53.1 years), primarily female and white.
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