How Do Older Adults Define a Good Death? A Scoping Review

Authors

Ellen L. Csikai, University of AlabamaFollow
Quentin R. Maynard, University of Southern IndianaFollow

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1676-6548

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4761-2819

Abstract

A scoping literature review of the concepts of ‘good death’ and ‘dying well’ among older adults was conducted. The purpose was to identify aspects that older adults specifically considered important in defining a ‘good death’. The search revealed five articles published between 2005 and 2019 that met inclusionary criteria for the review. Primary among the views of the older adults in these studies of a ‘good death’ was the desire to avoid being a burden to families; done so by dying pain-free/peacefully (preferably in sleep) and preparing in advance by involving family in decisions and funeral/estate planning. Family support throughout the dying process was also seen as important. What constitutes a good death is unique to each individual but knowing the conceptions of older adult cohorts, although not homogeneous, may guide discussions near the end of life.

Recommended Citation

Csikai, Ellen L. and Maynard, Quentin R. (2024) "How Do Older Adults Define a Good Death? A Scoping Review," Midwest Social Sciences Journal: Vol. 27: Iss. 1, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/2766-0796.1121
Available at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/mssj/vol27/iss1/6