End-of-life care: Cultural influence on the completion of an advance directive

End-of-life is the inevitable conclusion of human development. However, despite this knowledge, preparation for end-of-life is sorely lacking. This lack of preparedness is influenced by culture, avoidance, fear, and family members, to name a few. For example, lack of preparation is caused by anxiety surrounding the process of aging. Aging is experienced all over the world, yet culturally it is experienced and viewed differently. In Western culture old age is regarded negatively, as it is a thought to be a time of loneliness and health decline, both physically and mentally. The negative connotations of the aging process bring about fear and avoidance in late-life in regards to end-of-life. This ultimately causes ignorance of the aging process and continuation of its negative stereotypes. Patients are now expected, and encouraged, to participate in their healthcare; especially in decisions relating to life-sustaining treatment. Advance directives and healthcare planning are becoming more common; however, there are still obstacles that prevent their completion, impacting an individual, their family, and physician. The current study examined, based on a survey conducted to older adults who attended a senior-center sponsored event (N = 201), older adults views on advance directives. It was revealed that 54.5% currently have an advance directive. There was no gender difference found; however, age was a significant predictor. It was also revealed that completion rate was hindered by certain difficulties, one being overall discomfort with the topic. Implications of the findings and promotional approaches are discussed.