Blog # 7 – Chapter 14
This chapter discusses an inevitable outcome that
every individual will face. In our society we choose to avoid the subject of
death, it’s as if the word leaves a bitter taste in our mouths. It is believed
that fear is one of the factors that this subject is so “touchy”. It is
believed that individuals at every age fear death, so more than others. However
many older individuals have come to terms with the fact that they will face
death and they are ok with this. Having religious beliefs and knowing that
there is life after death has helped individuals cope with death.
“Fear of
death is a normal human condition – we struggle for our life, and for the lives
of others, and we desperately desire to avoid unknowns” (Hillier and Barrow,
2011). This being said when an
individual is diagnosed with a terminal disease, it seems that everything is
put into a new perspective, they now know that their time on earth is limited. It is believed that there are stages that one
will face upon this information such as, denial and shock – this cant be
happening to me, anger – why me and not someone else, bargaining – If I do this
maybe I can live longer, Depression – this is it, and Acceptance – I am ready
(Kubler- Ross).
Even though we cannot change death, we are given
choices once we have accepted death. These choices are known as advanced
directives. There are different forms such as a living will, durable power of
attorney, DNR (Do not resuscitate) and assisted suicide. Being that we are
provided with rights all of our lives, these choices help individuals cope with
death, they are given one last choice on how they want to live the rest of
their lives once they reach a certain stage.
Hillier, S. & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the
individual, and society. 373-400. 9th ed. California: WADSWORTH.
I think you are right, our society does choose to avoid the subject of death. Knowing the differences of advanced directives, living wills, durable power of attorney, DNR and assisted suicide is important (p. 390-391). Even though it may not be pleasant to do so, we need to think about what actions we want to happen if we reach a certain stage. The unknown can be scary. Knowing the theories of the process of dying might be helpful when we are close to dying. It may be comforting to know that what we are feeling is common and that others have felt this way too. Although some people may not be comforting to know that what we are feeling is not unique. Fearing death is common and something that many of us feel. We cannot control death and not knowing what lies beyond death can be scary. Both religious and non religious people can fear death.
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