Wishes for a good death in context of the COVID-19 pandemic - perspective of older individuals living in Finland

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the wishes for a good death in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic based on the perspective of older individuals living in Finland. The data (N = 18) were collected from October to December in 2021 through in-person interviews of independently living and aged 65 and older individuals. The data were analysed by inductive content analysis. Older individuals´ wishes for good death included consideration of empowering factors relating to the period before death and consideration of other people in connection with the death. In addition, it included preparing documentation of wills, enabling an individual moment of death, and deciding on matters relating to the funeral. The wishes of older individuals for a good death must be considered individually. They should be allowed to discuss their wishes for a good death. In addition to the development of palliative care, attention should be paid to the ethical dialogue surrounding the individual’s right to decide when to die.