To Live or Die: What to Wish at 100 Years and Older

Abstract

Previous research has shown that will to live is a strong predictor for survival among older people, irrespective of age, gender, and comorbidities. However, research on whether life at age 100 is perceived as worth living is limited. The available literature has presented evidence for good levels of positive attitudes and life satisfaction at such an advanced age, but it has also suggested that a longing for death is common. This study aimed to add to the existing data on this matter by exploring centenarians' will to live and the associated factors. The sample comprised 121 centenarians (mean age, 101 years; SD, 1.63 years), 19 (15.7%) of whom were males, from two centenarian studies (PT100). Answers to open questions were analyzed to identify the centenarians' will to live and the reasons behind it. Three groups were created (willing to live longer, not willing to live longer, no clear positioning) and further analyzed in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, health status, social functioning, and well-being. Of the total sample, 31.4% expressed willingness to live longer, 30.6% did not, and 38% presented no clear positioning. The presence of the Catholic religion (God) was referred for centenarians in all three groups. Annoyance, uselessness, loss of meaning, disconnection, and loneliness were the most common justifications for being reluctant to live longer. Positive valuation of life and good self-rated health, followed by having a confidant and reduced pain frequency, were the factors associated with being willing to live longer. The results of the study contribute to the understanding of the psychological functioning of individuals with exceptional longevity, particularly concerning the factors behind willingness to live at such an advanced age.

Trends in places and causes of death among centenarians in Japan from 2006 to 2016

“…Among the centenarians, reluctant factors for living longer are reportedly annoyance, uselessness, loss of meaning, disconnection and loneliness. 24 Willingness of PoD should be considered in terms of these views. Moreover, to avoid unwanted transportation to the hospital, advanced care planning would also be necessary for healthcare providers and care givers.…”

“…Our findings highlight the need for healthcare provisions and policies to enhance support for EoLC at preferred PoD, which include homes and home‐like environments, such as nursing homes. Among the centenarians, reluctant factors for living longer are reportedly annoyance, uselessness, loss of meaning, disconnection and loneliness 24 . Willingness of PoD should be considered in terms of these views.…”

Positive Aspects of Caregiving in Familial Care for Nonagenarians and Centenarians: Findings from Hong Kong Centenarian Study

“…Longevity is celebrated in various cultures, and many oldest-old individuals continue to live with good psychosocial well-being despite their physical and functional impairment, especially when adequate family support is available (Araújo et al, 2021;Cho et al, 2012;Wong et al, 2014). Providing care to these oldest-old individuals can be physically and mentally exhausting due to the vicissitudes and rapid deterioration of their health.…”

Willingness to Live Under Impairment: Factors Associated With Desired Longevity

“…Empirical findings highlight that when health and autonomy are of high personal importance and illness and dependency are feared, desired lifetimes are often lower ( Araújo et al, 2021 ; Brandão et al, 2019 ; Ekerdt et al, 2017 ; Karppinen et al, 2016 ; Rupprecht, Martin, & Lang, et al, 2022 ). In these studies, a reluctance of becoming a burden to others was reported by participants as one of the reasons why they would not be willing to live very long lives.…”

“…Becoming a burden to others may thus be a threat to older individuals with a more limited time perspective who strive to maintain emotional balance. Consequently, if conditions to not become a burden to others, who may then need to engage in caregiving duties, are no longer warranted, individuals hesitate in wishing for longer years of life ( Araújo et al, 2021 ; Karppinen et al, 2016 ). Hence, for those who fear becoming a burden and to whom health is personally important, willingness for longer lives under impairment conditions should be reduced.…”