Satisfaction with Life in relation to Desirability of Control and Fear of Death\ Dying among Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Death anxiety or fear of death is universal in all societies, especially among older adults, leading to a submissive attitude towards life with no desire to control. However, it could be alleviated by satisfaction with life. Aim of study: To investigate the relationship between older adults' fear of death/dying and their desirability of control and satisfaction with life. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted in geriatric homes affiliated to the Ministry of Social Solidarity in Beni-Suef city and university hospitals' out-patient clinics on 199 older adults 60-year age or older. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire form with the Desirability of Control, Integrity versus Despair, and Collett-Lester Fear of Death scales, in addition to socio-demographic and health characteristics. Results: Participants' age ranged from 60 to 85 years, 52.3% males, and 44.2% with no education. 64.3% had high desirability of control, 75.9% had resolution in integrity vs despair scores, indicating satisfaction with life. The mean of average fear of death was 3.20 from a maximum of 5.00. Positive correlations were found between the scores of desirability of control and those of integrity-despair resolution score, and with the scores of fear of dying of others and death of self. The desirability of control score was a main positive predictor of the (life satisfaction score) integrity-despair resolution score. Conclusion; Older adults' perceived desirability of control had an influence their fears of death/dying, but this latter is not affected by their satisfaction with life. Recommendations: Social activities could improve older adults` life satisfaction and alleviate their fear anxiety. Encouraging older people to be socially active through community health nursing interventions is recommended.