Work

Perception of death in older adults experiencing powerlessness

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study was designed as qualitative research to examine the perception of death among older adults experiencing powerlessness. Powerlessness levels were assessed in 153 older adults in the internal medicine units of a tertiary-level university hospital. semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 older adults who had high levels of perceived powerlessness and agreed to participate. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Framework Method. The findings showed that the perception of death was organized under three main themes: the concept of death, the role of powerlessness in the perception of death, and coping strategies related to death perception. As powerlessness increased, death was perceived as closer, and the focus of fear shifted from death itself to the dying process. While motivation to continue living weakened in some participants, individual, spiritual, and social coping strategies played a balancing role in this process.

Source: BMC Psychology

DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-05373-w

Authors: Betül Bal, Ali Aktaş, Zehra Seymen

Institution: Yozgat Bozok Üniversitesi

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,990