GERO 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Stereotype, Church Attendance, Health Technology
Document Summary
Medical technology has replaced religion as a way to understand death. Dying process has changed since the 1800s. 60% of american deaths occur in hospitals or nursing homes. Final moments of life seldom observed, even by family. Healthcare professionals are trained to extend life, not deal with it as a natural part of the life cycle. Interest in the topic has escalated, with many books, college courses and seminars available. Higher incidence of epidemics; no cure available. Death and dying was a household event. Dying is delayed by life-extending medical procedures. Happens at a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Hospice care so they can die at home. Older people appear to be less fearful than younger people. Many older people feel like they have completed the most important tasks in life. They are more likely to be in pain or to be suffering from chronic diseases and view death as an escape from that pain.
