Although the idea of death seems so morbid that it is impossible to think of having a “good” death, there are characteristics that may make the inevitable easier of the elderly person who will soon experiencing it.
• Closure: Closure with friends, family, and those who you have a personal relationship with can make death a little easier to handle when it finally comes. Closure will allow you, and your loved ones come to terms with death, and help reach the stage of grief called “acceptance”.
• Control: Many elderly feel a lack of control in their final days; they feel that they are looked at as though they are incapable of making their own decisions and actually having a say in the place they want to live, and even the place they want to die. Having a plan between yourself and your family as to how you want to live your final days (if medically, you are able to make these decisions), the place you would like to die, and what you would like done with your remains after you have died.
• Having an idea of how much time you have left: Knowing an approximation as to when you should expect your death puts people minds at ease, and gives them an idea of how they want to spend their final days, and so they are prepared for what is to come. Knowing when to expect your death also help the dying get things in order such as their will, and all their last wishes or “unfinished business”.
• Cause of Death: Death is death, but dying in your sleep, or from natural causes such as old age can make dying a more peaceful, less painful experience rather than long-term sicknesses such as Alzheimer’s or