Citation

Floyd M, Platz L, French SL. Journal of Mental Health and Aging 2004; 10(2): 117-130.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

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.

Language: en

Keywords

United States; attitude; adult; human; female; male; aged; nursing home; article; euthanasia; normal human; life event; medical decision making; health insurance; living will; retirement