WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL AFRAID OF DYING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DEATH ANXIETY AMONG KOREAN OLDER ADULTS
2024

Understanding Death Anxiety in Korean Older Adults

Sample size: 21 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kim Haeun, Lee Yeonjung

Primary Institution: Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Hypothesis

This study aims to examine recent research and provide a theoretical basis for various intervention programs related to death anxiety among Korean older adults.

Conclusion

The study found that depression significantly relates to death anxiety, and community intervention programs can effectively reduce death anxiety among older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults experience higher levels of death anxiety than other age groups in Korea.
  • Death anxiety is negatively related to suicidality.
  • The suicide rate among Korean older adults is about 39.9 per 100,000 people aged 65 and older.
  • Factors influencing death anxiety include sociodemographic, psychological, and medical factors.
  • Depression was found to relate significantly and positively with death anxiety.
  • Community intervention programs can significantly reduce death anxiety.

Takeaway

Older people in Korea often feel anxious about dying, but certain activities like music and dance can help them feel better.

Methodology

A systematic literature review was conducted on factors influencing death anxiety among Korean older adults, analyzing 21 eligible peer-reviewed articles.

Limitations

The study excluded qualitative studies, dissertations, overlapping studies, and gray literature.

Participant Demographics

Korean older adults aged 65 and older.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3768

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