Death and Hope
Death and dying have always led to strong emotions. However, death is not what it once was. For example, fewer people have personally witnessed the dying process.
In ancient times, death was considered a connection between the living, the dead, and the spirit world. People respected the dead and tried to live their lives so that their own death and afterlife would be good.
Every religion includes rituals and beliefs about death. These vary a great deal, but all bring hope to the living and strengthen the community.
Death has various meanings, depending partly on the age of the person involved. For example, young children are concerned about being separated from those they see every day; older children want to know specifics of death.
Terror management theory finds that some emerging adults cope with death anxiety by defiantly doing whatever is risky. Adults tend to worry about leaving something undone or abandoning family members; older adults are more accepting of death.
Choices in Dying
Everyone wants a good death. A death that is painless and that comes at the end of a long life is more likely than it was a century ago. However, other aspects of a good death—
The emotions of people who are dying change over time. Some may move from denial to acceptance, although stages of dying are much more variable than originally proposed. Honest conversation helps many, but not all, dying persons.
Hospice caregivers meet the biological and psychological needs of terminally ill people and their families. This can occur at home or at a specific place. Palliative care relieves pain and other uncomfortable aspects of dying.
Drugs that reduce pain as well as hasten dying, producing a double effect, are acceptable by many. However, euthanasia and physician-
Since 1980, death has been defined as occurring when brain waves stop; however, many measures now prolong life when no conscious thinking occurs. The need for a more precise, updated definition is apparent, but it is not agreed what the new definition should be.
Advance directives, such as a living will and a health care proxy, are recommended for everyone. However, no one can predict all possible interventions that may occur. Family members as well as professionals often disagree about specifics.
Affirmation of Life
Grief is overwhelming sorrow. It may be irrational and complicated, absent or disenfranchised.
Mourning rituals channel human grief, helping people move to affirm life. Most people are able to do this, although emotions of revenge may be harmful.
Feelings of continuing bonds with the deceased are no longer thought to be pathological. Most people who are still depressed years after a death are people who were depressed before the death. Everyone needs comfort and understanding after death, particularly after violent death.