Citation

van Wijngaarden E, Leget C, Goossensen A. Omega (Westport) 2014; 69(2): 191-216.

Affiliation

University of Humanistic Studies.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Sage Publications)

DOI

10.2190/OM.69.2.f

PMID

25223313

Abstract

The wish to die in older people who are tired of living and the possibilities to organize death are currently being discussed within the debate on self-determination and physician-assisted suicide. Until now insight into the experiences and thoughts of people who are tired of life but not suffering from a severe depression or a life-threatening disease is lacking. Studies focussing specifically on this topic are rare. This review provides an overview of this research area in its infancy. The existential impact of age-related loss experiences play an important role in developing a wish to die. Other influencing factors are: personal characteristics, biographical factors, social context, perceptions and values. Further research to experiences and motivations underlying these specific age-related wishes to die and the existential impact of the loss-experiences seems necessary to deepen the understanding of this group of older people and for the development of policy and good care.

Language: en