Abstract
The present study examined late-life issues. Mailed surveys were collected from 289 randomly selected older adults (average age = 70.33) living in a retirement community in Las Vegas, Nevada. Topics in the survey included writing a will, talking to family members about late-life decisions, designating a power of attorney (POA) for financial and health matters, completing advance directives or a living will, prearranging and prepaying funeral expenses, purchasing nursing home insurance, and attitudes toward death, physician-assisted suicide, and nursing homes. Results indicated that over 70% of participants in this sample had written a will, designated a POA for financial and health care decision-making, prepared advance directives, and discussed late-life issues with family. Less than 30% had prearranged and paid for their funeral or bought nursing home insurance. Late-life planning was associated with higher ratings of well-being. Ratings of nursing homes were mildly negative. Physician-assisted suicide was strongly supported as an option for the suffering associated with a terminal illness.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 117-130 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Journal of Mental Health and Aging |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - Jun 1 2004 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Psychiatry and Mental health